Sometimes the classic app is actually still on your drive, but Windows 10 is programmed to "bootstrap" or redirect you to Paint 3D whenever you try to open it. You can stop this behavior with a quick Registry edit: , and hit Enter. Navigate to:
The ribbon interface in the new Paint app can feel cluttered compared to the classic look.
The modern versions of Windows often push users toward updated apps. However, many users still prefer the original version for several distinct reasons: install classic paint windows 10
the application and choose Pin to taskbar for instant access.
Even on a fresh installation of Windows 10, Paint should be either pre‑installed or available as an optional feature. First, check whether Paint is hidden by searching for “mspaint” in the Start menu or by running mspaint from the Run dialog. If it’s truly missing, use the Optional Features or Microsoft Store method to reinstall it. Sometimes the classic app is actually still on
Now that you've installed classic Paint on your Windows 10 machine, you may wonder which Paint application to use. Here are some points to consider:
If the app is installed but searching for "Paint" keeps opening the newer "modern" version, you can force Windows to use the classic bootstrap through the Registry Editor. Press Win + R , type , and press Enter. The modern versions of Windows often push users
Double-click your local mspaint.exe file to run the original application without changing any core system files. How to Set Classic Paint as Your Default Editor
: Click on the Optional features link.
Windows will now download and install Classic Paint from Microsoft servers. This takes about 30 seconds. Once completed, you will find Paint in the folder.
This sometimes happens when Windows opens an image in Paint 3D instead of classic Paint. Ensure that classic Paint is set as the default image editor (see the section above). If you’re using a third-party installer, make sure you disabled app execution aliases during setup.