How to Get Paint 3D Back (Works in 2026)
Paint 3D most often goes missing for one of three reasons: a Windows update removed or broke it, you reset or upgraded Windows, or you moved to a new PC that never had it. Since Microsoft retired Paint 3D from the Store in November 2024, it will not reinstall itself, but you can still get it back. Start with the situation that matches yours.
| Your situation | Best fix |
|---|---|
| Paint 3D vanished after a Windows update | Re-register it, since the files are often still there |
| You reset Windows or upgraded to Windows 11 | Reinstall from your Store library |
| You have a new PC | Download Paint 3D |
If it vanished after an update: re-register it
Updates sometimes unregister apps without deleting them. Open Terminal (Admin) and run:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *Microsoft.MSPaint* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}Then search for Paint 3D in the Start menu. If the command returns nothing, the app was removed; use one of the options below.
After a reset or upgrade: use your Store library
- Open the Microsoft Store and sign in with the same Microsoft account you used before.
- Click Library in the bottom-left corner.
- Find Paint 3D and click the download icon.
Not listed? Clear the Store cache by pressing Windows + R, typing wsreset.exe, and pressing Enter, then check the Library again.
On a new PC: download Paint 3D
If Paint 3D was never on your account, get it from the Paint 3D download section, then follow our Windows 11 install guide.
Keep your projects safe
Before resetting Windows or switching PCs, save your work with Menu > Save as and copy the files to OneDrive or a USB drive. Saved project files open again once Paint 3D is reinstalled.
Installed but not opening? That is a different problem. See the Paint 3D troubleshooting guide for repair and reset steps.