Microsoft Paint Is Being Unceremoniously Dumped by Windows 10

For many of us, Microsoft Paint was an early introduction not only to graphic design, but to using Windows in general. Now, after 35 years, Microsoft is phasing the program out.

According to Microsoft's support website, Paint has been listed as a "Deprecated" program in the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, meaning it is "not in active development and might be removed in future releases". So, when the next big Windows 10 update comes down the pipe, it's possible that Paint could vanish entirely.

Paint has been a mainstay since the release of Windows 1.0 in 1985. For many of us who grew up in the late 80's and beyond, it was the first or at least one of the first programs we used in Windows, and though I don't use it often, it really does come in handy as a quick built-in tool for saving screenshots or whipping up a graphic on the fly.

It's not all bad news, though Back in October, The Verge reported that Microsoft was working on a new app called Paint 3D, which, as the name implies, focuses on 3D graphic design. Users can upload photos to the app and render certain areas 3D or turn 2D drawings into 3D images.

If you're the sentimental type and don't want to say goodbye to Paint, you can download Paint.NET, which was developed by a some undergraduate students a few years back. It's safe and free, and offers a few enhanced features that make it sort of like Paint on steroids.

Personally, I use GIMP and Canva for most of my graphic needs, but Paint's always been there and a part of me will miss it when it's gone.