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

Are you tired of the modern, streamlined look of Windows 10's Paint app? Do you yearn for the good old days of Windows 7 and XP, when Paint was a simple, yet powerful tool for basic image editing? Look no further! In this post, we'll show you how to install the classic Paint app on Windows 10.

Why Classic Paint?

The classic Paint app, also known as "mspaint," has been a staple of Windows since version 1.0. Its simplicity and ease of use made it a favorite among users for quick edits and creations. However, with the release of Windows 10, Microsoft replaced the classic Paint app with a modern, Universal Windows Platform (UWP) version.

While the new Paint app is more feature-rich and visually appealing, some users miss the nostalgic feel and straightforward interface of the classic version. If you're one of them, you're in luck!

Method 1: Using the Windows Registry

To install classic Paint on Windows 10, you can use a simple registry tweak. Here's how:

1. Open the Registry Editor: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the correct key: Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\CompatibilityAssistant Persisted and create a new key called Flags.
3. Create a new DWORD value: Inside the Flags key, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value called Disable WindowsStoreApp and set it to 1.
4. Restart your computer: Save your changes and restart your PC.

Method 2: Using PowerShell

Alternatively, you can use PowerShell to install classic Paint on Windows 10:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator: Right-click on the Start button and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".
2. Run the command: Type the following command and press Enter:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_OperatingSystem | ForEach-Object  $_.InstallDate = $_.InstallDate.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd") ; Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object  $_.Name -eq "Microsoft Paint"  | ForEach-Object  $_.Install(); $_.Uninstall() 

Download Classic Paint

If the above methods don't work for you, you can download a pre-compiled version of classic Paint from a trusted source, such as GitHub. However, be cautious when downloading software from third-party websites, and make sure to scan the file for viruses.

Tips and Variations

• If you want to use classic Paint as the default image editor, right-click on an image file, select "Open with," and choose "Choose another app." Then, select classic Paint from the list.
• To make classic Paint look more modern, you can use the " Windows Classic" theme in Windows 10.

Conclusion

And that's it! You should now have classic Paint up and running on your Windows 10 machine. Whether you're a nostalgic user or simply prefer the simplicity of the classic app, this guide has helped you bring back the classic Paint experience.

Do you have a favorite feature in classic Paint? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Like and Share

If you found this post helpful, don't forget to like and share it with your friends and family who might appreciate a blast from the past.

Stay Tuned

For more Windows 10 tips, tricks, and guides, stay tuned to our blog!

To install or restore the classic Microsoft Paint on Windows 10, you can use built-in system tools or the official app store. Although Microsoft previously deprecated Paint, it remains available as an optional feature or a downloadable app. Method 1: Restore via Optional Features (Recommended)

If Paint is missing from your Start menu, it may have been disabled as an "Optional Feature." (Win + I) and navigate to Optional features Add a feature Type "Microsoft Paint" in the search bar. Select it and click

. You may need to restart your PC once the process finishes. Method 2: Reinstall via Microsoft Store

The version of Paint currently maintained by Microsoft is hosted on their official store. Microsoft Store from your Start menu. Search for Ensure the publisher is "Microsoft Corporation." to download the latest version of the classic app. Method 3: Check via Run Command

Before attempting a fresh installation, verify if the application is simply hidden: on your keyboard. mspaint.exe

If the app opens, it is already installed. You can pin it to your taskbar by searching for "Paint" in the Start menu, right-clicking it, and selecting Pin to taskbar Comparison: Classic vs. Newer Versions Classic Paint (mspaint.exe) User Interface Original ribbon UI; simple and fast. Modernized with 3D modeling tools. Availability Optional feature or Store app. Built-in on most Win 10 versions. Primary Use Quick 2D sketches and basic cropping. Creating 3D art and complex layering. Note on Third-Party Installers:

You may find "Classic Paint" installers on community forums or third-party sites that claim to restore the Windows 7-style version. While these can work, Microsoft Support recommends using official methods to avoid security risks. Microsoft Support for opening images?

Goodbye Confusion: How to Install Classic Paint on Windows 10

If you’ve recently clicked on the Paint icon in Windows 10 and felt a wave of disorientation, you aren't alone. Microsoft has been quietly updating the classic app, and in some versions of Windows 10 (and Windows 11), the beloved old interface has been replaced or hidden.

The new Paint app isn't bad—it has modern icons and better scaling. But sometimes, you just want the simple, clunky, 1990s-era toolbar that you know by heart. The good news? You can still get the classic Microsoft Paint back on Windows 10.

Here is the step-by-step guide to resurrecting the retro editor.

The "Better Than Classic" Alternative

If you don't want to mess with system files or registry commands, there is a fantastic third-party option: Paint.NET.

While it isn't the literal classic Paint, it is the spiritual successor. It looks like classic Paint but adds layers, transparency, and effects—without the ribbon toolbar clutter. It is free and runs flawlessly on Windows 10.

Method 3: Using the Old MSPAINT.MUN File

On some recent Windows 10 updates, the file is no longer in System32 as an executable but stored as a resource.

1. Navigate to C:\Windows\SystemResources\.
2. Look for a file named mspaint.exe.mun.
3. This file cannot be run directly. However, if you have access to another Windows 10 computer running the classic Paint, or if you extract it from a Windows 10 ISO, you can copy the mspaint.exe file to a folder on your computer (e.g., C:\MyApps\) and run it from there.

Method 3: The PowerShell Method (For Advanced Users)

If the Optional Features menu is crashing or unavailable, you can use PowerShell to force the installation. This is a surefire way to install classic Paint on Windows 10 even on Enterprise or Education editions.

Warning: Close all programs before proceeding.

Steps:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).

2. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.

3. Copy and paste the following command exactly:

   Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *Microsoft.MSPaint* | ForEach-Object Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"
   

4. Press Enter.

5. Wait for the blue bar to finish processing. You might see a red error if the package is missing, but typically, the core files are still present in the system image. This command simply re-registers the Paint app.

6. Close PowerShell and check the Start Menu for Paint.

Option A — Install “Paint” from Microsoft Store (Classic Desktop version)

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Search for “Paint” (publisher: Microsoft Corporation).
3. Click Install.
   • This installs the modern Paint app linked to the classic desktop Paint experience.