The classic Paint can still be accessed in Windows 11 using specific workarounds despite being replaced by a modern version. 2. Launching "ms-paint:" in the Run dialog and then immediately closing it followed by running "C:\Windows\System32\mspaint.exe" may open the classic version. 3. Creating a desktop shortcut with the direct mspaint.exe path offers quick access, though Microsoft may redirect it to the new app. 4. Renaming the Microsoft.Paint folder in WindowsApps or uninstalling it via PowerShell can force the classic version to launch, but this is temporary and update-sensitive. 5. For a reliable long-term solution, use third-party alternatives like Paint.NET, IrfanView, or XnSketch that replicate or improve upon the classic experience. 6. These methods may stop working in future updates, so backups are recommended before system modifications, and switching to a trusted alternative is often the best choice.

Windows 11 replaced the classic Microsoft Paint with a modernized version called Paint (new), which has a refreshed UI and some new features, but many users miss the lightweight, familiar feel of the classic Paint from Windows 7 or earlier. While Microsoft hasn’t removed the classic version entirely, it’s not directly accessible by default. Here’s how you can get the classic Paint experience back.

? 1. Launch Classic Paint Directly (Still Included in Windows 11)

Despite the redesign, the classic Paint executable is still present in Windows 11 — it just opens the new version by default when you click "Paint" in the Start menu.

To force open the classic version, do this:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type:

   ms-paint:

   and press Enter.

3. This will open the new Paint app.
4. Immediately close it.
5. Now, press Win + R again and type:

   C:\Windows\System32\mspaint.exe

6. Press Enter — this should now open the classic Paint.

? Note: Microsoft has made this harder in recent updates. If the above doesn’t work, try the next method.

? 2. Use a Batch File or Shortcut to Force Classic Mode

You can create a shortcut that always launches the classic version.

Steps:

1. Right-click on your desktop → New → Shortcut.
2. In the location field, paste:

   C:\Windows\System32\mspaint.exe

3. Click Next, name it "Classic Paint", and finish.
4. Double-click the shortcut — it should open the classic Paint.

?? If it still opens the new Paint, Microsoft may have redirected mspaint.exe via an alias. In that case, try renaming the new Paint app to unblock the classic one.

? 3. Rename the New Paint App (Registry Workaround)

This method stops the new Paint from intercepting the classic one.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer and go to:

   C:\Program Files\WindowsApps

   ? This folder is restricted. You’ll need administrator permissions to access it.

2. Look for a folder starting with:

   Microsoft.Paint_

   (It might be hard to find — you may need to enable "Hidden items" and take ownership of the folder.)

3. Rename the folder (e.g., add .old at the end).

?? This is risky and may break after updates. Also, Windows Update can restore the app.

Alternatively, use PowerShell to uninstall the new Paint:

Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Paint -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage

Then use the shortcut to mspaint.exe — it should now open the classic version.

To reinstall it later:

winget install Microsoft.Paint

? 4. Use Third-Party Alternatives (Best Long-Term Fix)

If the above feels too fragile, consider using a lightweight alternative that mimics classic Paint:

• Paint.NET – Free, powerful, supports layers, and looks clean.
• Classic Paint (from Microsoft Store) – A fan-made wrapper that launches the old UI.
• IrfanView – Great for quick edits and very fast.
• XnSketch – Simple, retro-style image editor.

These are more reliable and often offer better functionality than the original.

Final Notes

• Microsoft is gradually phasing out the classic Paint, so these workarounds may stop working in future updates.
• The classic mspaint.exe is still used under the hood — the new Paint is just a shell that loads it in some cases.
• Back up your system before modifying WindowsApps or using PowerShell to remove apps.

Basically, while you can’t “fully restore” classic Paint permanently, you can still access it with a little tweaking — or switch to a better alternative that feels just as simple.

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