Install Classic Paint Windows 10 | 2021

How to Install and Use Classic MS Paint on Windows 10

With the release of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, Microsoft began phasing out the classic Win32 version of Paint in favor of the modern "Paint 3D." While the classic version was eventually hidden, it remains buried within the system files. If you prefer the lightweight, no-frills interface of the original Paint, you can restore it without downloading third-party software.

Method 2: Extract from System Files (For Older Builds)

If the optional features menu does not show Paint, or if you want to run it as a standalone app without installing system features, you can extract the file directly from your Windows system folder. Windows 10 keeps a backup of the classic executable.

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the following path: C:\Windows\System32\
  2. Search for a file named mspaint.exe.
    • Note: If you see mspaint.exe.mun, you cannot run this directly. You are looking for the standard .exe application file.
  3. If the file is present:
    • Right-click it and select Pin to Taskbar or Pin to Start.
    • You can also create a shortcut on your desktop by right-clicking the file > Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

Method 3: Manual Installation (The Surefire Fix)

If the old Paint is truly gone, you need to download a trusted copy of the original Windows 7/8 era Paint. Warning: Only download system files from reputable sources (like major tech repositories or extracting from your own old backup). Do not download "Paint.exe" from random ad websites.

The Registry Workaround: For advanced users, you can sometimes force the legacy app back by uninstalling the "Paint 3D" or the new "Microsoft Paint" via PowerShell, which causes Windows to revert to the fallback classic version.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.MSPaint* | Remove-AppxPackage
  3. Restart your computer.
  4. Go to C:\Windows\System32\ and look for mspaint.exe. Double-click it.

Note: This removes the modern app. To get it back later, simply visit the Microsoft Store and search "Paint." install classic paint windows 10

🛠 Method 2: Manually Restore Classic Paint using system files

Works even if Paint was removed or never included.

  1. Download the classic Paint files
    Get them from a trusted source (e.g., archive of Windows 7/8 system files). A clean set includes:

    • mspaint.exe
    • mspaint.exe.mui

  2. Place the files in correct locations

    • Copy mspaint.exe to C:\Windows\System32\
    • Copy mspaint.exe.mui to C:\Windows\System32\en-US\ (adjust language folder as needed – en-US, fr-FR, etc.)

  3. Create shortcut (optional)
    Right-click desktop → New → Shortcut → paste mspaint → name it Paint How to Install and Use Classic MS Paint

  4. Test
    Press Win + R, type mspaint, press Enter – classic Paint opens.

⚠️ You may need TrustedInstaller permissions to write to System32.
Use a tool like TakeOwnershipEx or boot from a WinPE USB if blocked.

Method 1: Check if You Already Have It (The Windows Accessories Folder)

Microsoft has played hide-and-seek with Classic Paint. In many versions of Windows 10 (specifically versions 1803 through 1903), the app is still installed but hidden.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Click the Start button (Windows icon).
  2. Scroll down the app list to "Windows Accessories."
  3. Click the folder. If "Paint" is listed—congratulations! You already have it. Right-click it and select Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar.

If it is not there, proceed to Method 2.

🔁 Revert changes

  • To uninstall manually: delete the added mspaint.exe files.
  • To re-enable modern Paint: Add-AppxPackage -Register "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.Paint_*x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\AppxManifest.xml"

Would you like the direct file links or a script to automate the portable setup?

Title: Bring Back the Classics: How to Install Classic Paint on Windows 10

Introduction: Windows 10 has come a long way since its release, with numerous updates and new features added to enhance the user experience. However, some users may miss the classic Paint application that was a staple in previous versions of Windows. If you're one of them, you'll be pleased to know that you can still install Classic Paint on Windows 10. In this article, we'll guide you through the process. Open File Explorer and navigate to the following

Why Install Classic Paint on Windows 10? The classic Paint application, also known as Microsoft Paint, has been a part of Windows since its early days. It was a simple yet effective tool for basic image editing and creation. Although Windows 10 comes with a modernized Paint app, some users prefer the simplicity and familiarity of the classic version.

Methods to Install Classic Paint on Windows 10: