NAIROBI, Kenya- Microsoft has announced that it will officially pull the plug on Paint 3D, removing the app from the Microsoft Store on November 4th.
This decision marks the end of an ambitious but ultimately underwhelming chapter in Microsoft’s efforts to modernize its creative tools.
Paint 3D was once touted as the future of digital creativity, but its journey has come to a close as the tech giant shifts focus to other projects.
Launched in 2016 alongside the Windows 10 Creators Update, Paint 3D was designed to be a game-changer in the world of digital creativity.
It offered users a range of tools to create, manipulate, and share 3D models—features that were intended to complement the classic Paint app, a Windows staple since the late 1990s.
Paint 3D was a bold attempt to bring advanced 3D capabilities to everyday users, making it easier for hobbyists and casual creators to explore the world of 3D modeling.
However, despite Microsoft’s high hopes, Paint 3D never quite gained the traction it needed.
While the app boasted a suite of innovative tools, it struggled to find its audience. For many users, Paint 3D’s offerings were either too complex for simple tasks or insufficiently advanced for more serious 3D work.
The app found itself in a tricky middle ground, unable to fully satisfy either end of the user spectrum.
Meanwhile, the classic Paint app continued to enjoy widespread popularity due to its simplicity and ease of use.
The writing was on the wall for Paint 3D when Microsoft removed it from the list of pre-installed apps on Windows back in 2021. This move was part of a broader shift in Microsoft’s approach, as the company began reevaluating the utility of its software offerings.
With the tech landscape constantly evolving, Microsoft has increasingly focused on streamlining its product portfolio, concentrating on tools that better align with user needs and market demands.
Microsoft is gradually phasing out tools that no longer resonate with its user base. The removal of Paint 3D from the Microsoft Store is the final step in this process, signaling a definitive end to the app’s short-lived journey.
For those who have relied on Paint 3D for their creative projects, the app’s discontinuation means it’s time to explore alternatives.
Although Paint 3D will remain functional for users who already have it installed, the lack of future updates and support may prompt many to seek out more robust 3D modeling and editing software.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options available, ranging from beginner-friendly apps to professional-grade tools, each offering a range of features that surpass Paint 3D’s capabilities.
In retrospect, Paint 3D was a daring attempt by Microsoft to push the boundaries of what its creative tools could offer.
It was an experiment in bringing advanced technology to a broader audience, even if it ultimately fell short of its goals. As the app’s removal date draws near, it serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with innovation and the ever-changing nature of the tech world.
