If you are interested, I can also show you how to customize the classic Paint's default toolbar, or how to set it as your default image editor.
Ensure both mspaint.exe and the mspaint.exe.mui file (usually located in an en-US folder) are in the same directory.
The classic MS Paint (often associated with the Windows 7 or early Windows 10 versions) is favored for several reasons:
If "Microsoft Paint" appears, select it and click Install .
If you encounter issues while trying to install classic Paint on Windows 10, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Reputable sources, such as , provide a dedicated Classic Paint installer that won’t interfere with your existing Paint installation, allowing both versions to run side by side. Similarly, Winaero offers a trusted installer that many users have successfully used to restore the classic app on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Installing classic Paint on Windows 10 is a small but significant act of digital agency. It represents a user's right to curate their own computing environment based on function, not fashion. By following the simple steps through the Windows "Optional Features" menu or a secure file transfer, anyone can resurrect this timeless tool. In doing so, we do not reject the future—we simply ensure that the past remains usable. After all, a hammer does not lose its value just because someone invents a nail gun. Classic Paint remains the digital hammer: simple, reliable, and always within reach.
The most official way to ensure the classic application is on your system is through Windows' own settings: Open Settings Windows key + I or search for "Settings" in the Start menu. Navigate to Apps Optional features Add the Feature Add a feature , search for Microsoft Paint , select it, and click
Method 1: Enable the Native Classic Paint via Windows Optional Features
| Feature | Classic Paint (Old) | Paint 3D (New) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Instant | Slow (3-5 seconds) | | Transparent Selection | Yes (Ctrl+Click) | Clunky | | Zoom Control | Simple % dropdown | Scroll wheel only | | Image Resize | Exact pixels/inches | Aspect ratio lock fails often | | 3D Objects | No | Yes (Unnecessary for most) | | Magic Select | No | Yes (Cut out objects) | | Stability | Rock solid | Occasional crashes |
It lacks the complex 3D rendering tools that most users do not need for daily tasks. Method 1: Use the Built-in Classic Paint