Paint 3D Troubleshooting Guide – Fix Common Problems & Errors

Complete solutions to Paint 3D issues on Windows 10 & Windows 11 • Last Updated: 18/2/2026

Having trouble with Microsoft Paint 3D? You’re not alone. This comprehensive troubleshooting guide provides step-by-step solutions to the most common Paint 3D problems, errors, and technical issues reported by users.

Whether Paint 3D won’t open, crashes frequently, has installation problems, or specific features aren’t working, you’ll find verified fixes below.

Installation & Download Problems

Problem 1: Paint 3D Not Showing in Microsoft Store or Download Unavailable

Issue: When you search for “Paint 3D” in the Microsoft Store, it either doesn’t appear in search results, shows “This product is no longer available,” or the download/install button is missing or grayed out.

Background: In September 2024, Microsoft officially discontinued Paint 3D and removed it from active distribution in the Microsoft Store. While Microsoft stopped supporting new downloads through their official store, Paint 3D remains a fully functional application for users who still want to use it for 3D modeling, image editing, and creative projects.

Why Microsoft Discontinued Paint 3D:

  • Microsoft shifted focus to integrating AI features into classic MS Paint (like Cocreator and Image Creator)
  • Development resources redirected to Microsoft Designer and other creative tools
  • Lower-than-expected adoption rates compared to traditional Paint
  • Strategic consolidation of Windows creative applications

However, Paint 3D is NOT dead, it still works perfectly on Windows 10 and Windows 11, and you can still download and install it.

Since Microsoft removed Paint 3D from the official Microsoft Store, we provide a safe, verified download of the latest working version of Paint 3D.

Problem 2: Paint 3D Installation Stuck or Fails

Issue: Paint 3D download starts but gets stuck at a certain percentage, or shows “Installation failed” error.

Error Messages:

  • “Something went wrong. Error code: 0x80073CF9”
  • “We couldn’t install Paint 3D. Please try again later.”
  • “This app couldn’t be installed. Error code: 0x80073D0D”

Solution:

Step 1: Check Available Storage Space

  1. Open File Explorer
  2. Right-click on C: drive
  3. Select Properties
  4. Ensure you have at least 500 MB free space (Paint 3D needs ~200 MB)
  5. If storage is low, use Disk Cleanup:
    • Type “Disk Cleanup” in Windows Search
    • Select C: drive
    • Check Temporary files, Downloads, Recycle Bin
    • Click OK → Delete Files

Step 2: Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

For Windows 10:

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
  2. Go to Update & Security → Troubleshoot
  3. Click Additional troubleshooters
  4. Select Windows Store Apps
  5. Click Run the troubleshooter
  6. Follow on-screen instructions
  7. Restart your PC

For Windows 11:

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
  2. Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
  3. Find Windows Store Apps
  4. Click Run
  5. Follow prompts and restart

Step 3: Re-register Microsoft Store

  1. Press Windows + X
  2. Select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin)
  3. Click Yes on UAC prompt
  4. Copy and paste this command:
PowerShellGet-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
  1. Press Enter
  2. Wait for the process to complete (ignore any red error text)
  3. Close PowerShell and restart your PC
  4. Try installing Paint 3D again

Step 4: Install Using PowerShell (Advanced)

  1. Open Windows PowerShell (Admin)
  2. Copy and paste:
PowerShellGet-AppxPackage *Microsoft.MSPaint* | Remove-AppxPackage
  1. Press Enter
  2. Then run:
PowerShellGet-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.MSPaint | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
  1. Press Enter
  2. Restart your PC

Problem 3: “This App Can’t Run on Your PC” Error

Issue: You get an error message saying Paint 3D can’t run on your PC when trying to install.

Cause:

  • 32-bit Windows OS (Paint 3D requires 64-bit)
  • Outdated Windows version
  • ARM processor incompatibility

Solution:

Check Your Windows Architecture:

  1. Press Windows + I (Settings)
  2. Go to System → About
  3. Look under Device specifications → System type
  4. You should see “64-bit operating system, x64-based processor”

If you have 32-bit Windows:

  • Paint 3D does not support 32-bit systems
  • You’ll need to upgrade to 64-bit Windows 10/11 (requires clean installation)
  • Alternative: Use MS Paint or web-based tools like Tinkercad

Ensure Windows is Updated:

  1. Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
  2. Click Check for updates
  3. Install all updates
  4. Restart and try again

Problem 4: Paint 3D Disappeared After Windows 11 Update

Issue: Paint 3D was working fine but disappeared after updating to Windows 11 or after a major Windows update.

Cause: Starting in 2023, Microsoft stopped pre-installing Paint 3D on new Windows 11 devices and some updates. However, it’s still available for download.

Note: Paint 3D is NOT discontinued. It’s still fully supported and downloadable; it’s just no longer pre-installed by default.

Paint 3D Won’t Open / Crashes on Startup

Problem 5: Paint 3D Won’t Open (Nothing Happens When Clicking)

Issue: You click the Paint 3D icon but the app doesn’t launch. No error message appears.

Solution:

Method 1: End Task and Reopen

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
  2. Look for Paint 3D under Processes tab
  3. If you see it, right-click → End task
  4. Close Task Manager
  5. Try opening Paint 3D again

Method 2: Run as Administrator

  1. Right-click Paint 3D shortcut or Start Menu icon
  2. Select Run as administrator
  3. Click Yes on UAC prompt

Method 3: Check for App Updates

  1. Open Microsoft Store
  2. Click your profile icon (top right)
  3. Select Downloads and updates
  4. Click Get updates
  5. Wait for all apps to update
  6. Restart your PC

Method 4: Repair Paint 3D

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
  2. Go to Apps → Apps & features (Windows 10) OR Apps → Installed apps (Windows 11)
  3. Search for Paint 3D
  4. Click on it → Click three dots (…) or Advanced options
  5. Scroll down and click Repair
  6. Wait for process to complete
  7. Try opening Paint 3D

If Repair doesn’t work:

  • Click Reset instead (this will delete app data but won’t affect your saved projects)

Problem 6: Paint 3D Crashes Immediately on Startup

Issue: Paint 3D opens for a second then closes automatically or shows “Paint 3D has stopped working.”

Error Messages:

  • “Paint 3D has stopped working”
  • Application crash with error code
  • Silent crash to desktop

Solution:

Step 1: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers are the #1 cause of Paint 3D crashes.

For NVIDIA Graphics Card:

  1. Visit https://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx
  2. Select your graphics card model
  3. Download latest driver
  4. Install and restart

For AMD Graphics Card:

  1. Visit https://www.amd.com/en/support
  2. Auto-detect your GPU or select manually
  3. Download and install latest driver
  4. Restart PC

For Intel Graphics:

  1. Visit https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download-center/home.html
  2. Download Intel Driver & Support Assistant
  3. Run it to auto-update drivers
  4. Restart PC

Or Update Through Device Manager:

  1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager
  2. Expand Display adapters
  3. Right-click your graphics card
  4. Select Update driver → Search automatically
  5. Restart PC

Step 2: Check DirectX Version

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type: dxdiag
  3. Press Enter
  4. Check DirectX Version (should be DirectX 11 or 12)
  5. If outdated, run Windows Update to install latest DirectX

Step 3: Run System File Checker

Corrupt system files can cause crashes.

  1. Press Windows + X
  2. Select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)
  3. Type: sfc /scannow
  4. Press Enter
  5. Wait 10-20 minutes for scan to complete
  6. Restart PC

Step 4: Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes antivirus software blocks Paint 3D.

  1. Temporarily disable your antivirus (Windows Defender or third-party)
  2. Try opening Paint 3D
  3. If it works, add Paint 3D to antivirus exclusion list
  4. Re-enable antivirus

For Windows Defender:

  1. Settings → Update & Security → Windows Security
  2. Virus & threat protection → Manage settings
  3. Scroll to Exclusions → Add or remove exclusions
  4. Click Add an exclusion → Process
  5. Type: Paint3D.exe

Step 5: Reinstall Paint 3D

If all else fails:

  1. Uninstall Paint 3D
  2. Restart PC
  3. Reinstall from Microsoft Store

Problem 7: Paint 3D Crashes When Opening Specific Files

Issue: Paint 3D works fine with new projects but crashes when opening certain saved files.

Cause:

  • Corrupted project file
  • Unsupported file format
  • File too large
  • Missing 3D model dependencies

Solution:

Check File Format:

Paint 3D supports:

  • Images: PNG, JPEG, JPG, BMP, GIF, TIFF
  • 3D Models: 3MF, FBX, STL, OBJ, GLB, PLY, GLTF

Unsupported formats will cause crashes.

Try Opening File in Different Way:

  1. Open Paint 3D first (start with blank canvas)
  2. Go to Menu → Insert
  3. Browse to your file
  4. Select and insert

Instead of double-clicking the file directly.

Reduce File Size:

If file is very large (over 50 MB):

  1. Open in another program (MS Paint, Photos)
  2. Resize to smaller dimensions
  3. Save as new file
  4. Try opening in Paint 3D

Check File Corruption:

  1. Try opening file on another PC
  2. If it crashes there too, file is likely corrupted
  3. Restore from backup if available
  4. Use file repair tools for images

Performance Issues (Slow, Freezing, Lagging)

Problem 8: Paint 3D Running Very Slow or Lagging

Issue: Paint 3D is extremely slow, takes forever to respond, or lags when drawing/editing.

Cause:

  • Insufficient RAM
  • Too many 3D objects in scene
  • Large canvas size
  • Background processes consuming resources
  • Outdated hardware

Solution:

Reduce Canvas Complexity:

  1. Reduce number of 3D objects in your scene
  2. Use simpler 3D shapes instead of high-poly models
  3. Reduce canvas size:
    • Menu → Canvas → Set smaller dimensions
  4. Disable transparency if you don’t need it
  5. Remove unused stickers and effects

Close Background Applications:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Task Manager)
  2. Go to Processes tab
  3. Close unnecessary apps using high CPU/Memory:
    • Right-click → End task
  4. Keep only essential processes running

Adjust Visual Effects:

  1. Type “performance” in Windows Search
  2. Select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows
  3. Select Adjust for best performance
  4. OR customize to disable animations
  5. Click Apply → OK

Increase Virtual Memory:

  1. Type “advanced system” in Windows Search
  2. Select View advanced system settings
  3. Under Performance, click Settings
  4. Go to Advanced tab → Change (under Virtual memory)
  5. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size
  6. Select Custom size
  7. Set:
    • Initial size: 1.5 × your RAM (in MB)
    • Maximum size: 3 × your RAM
    • Example: If you have 8 GB RAM (8192 MB):
      • Initial: 12288 MB
      • Maximum: 24576 MB
  8. Click Set → OK
  9. Restart PC

Upgrade Hardware (if possible):

Minimum specs for smooth performance:

  • RAM: 8 GB or more
  • Graphics: Dedicated GPU with 2 GB VRAM
  • Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (or better)
  • Storage: SSD instead of HDD

Problem 9: Paint 3D Freezes When Saving

Issue: Paint 3D stops responding when you try to save your work. The app freezes or shows “Not Responding.”

Solution:

Wait Patiently:

Large files or complex 3D scenes take time to save. Wait 2-5 minutes before force-closing.

Save to Different Location:

  1. Instead of Save, use Save As
  2. Choose a different folder (Desktop or Documents)
  3. Don’t save to cloud synced folders (OneDrive) initially
  4. Save to local drive first

Reduce File Size Before Saving:

  1. Delete unnecessary 3D objects
  2. Reduce canvas size
  3. Remove extra layers/stickers
  4. Simplify complex 3D models

Save in Different Format:

Instead of saving as .3MF (which can be large), try:

  • PNG for 2D images
  • GLB for smaller 3D files
  • JPG for photos (smaller than PNG)

Disable Auto-save on OneDrive:

  1. Right-click OneDrive icon in system tray
  2. Click Settings
  3. Go to Backup tab
  4. Disable Sync this PC’s folders
  5. Try saving again

Magic Select Not Working

Problem 10: Magic Select Tool Doesn’t Detect Subject

Issue: When using Magic Select to remove backgrounds, the tool doesn’t properly detect or outline the subject you want to select.

Why This Happens:

  • Low contrast between subject and background
  • Complex or detailed subject
  • Subject blends with background colors
  • Image resolution too low
  • Transparent or semi-transparent subjects

Solution:

Optimize Your Image First:

  1. Increase contrast:
    • Use Effects → Filters in Paint 3D
    • Try adjusting before using Magic Select
  2. Use high-resolution images:
    • Magic Select works better on images 1000×1000 pixels or larger
    • Avoid heavily compressed JPEGs
  3. Choose clear backgrounds:
    • Solid color backgrounds work best
    • Avoid busy, textured backgrounds

Improve Magic Select Accuracy:

  1. Click Magic Select tool
  2. Draw selection box tightly around your subject
  3. Click Next
  4. Manually refine:
    • Click Add and brush over missed areas
    • Click Remove and brush over incorrectly selected areas
  5. Use smaller brush size for detailed edges
  6. Click Done when satisfied

Use Multiple Attempts:

If first attempt fails:

  1. Click Cancel
  2. Try again with a tighter or wider selection box
  3. Adjust selection area based on complexity

Alternative Method for Complex Subjects:

For very detailed subjects (hair, fur, transparent objects):

  1. Use online tools first:
  2. Download transparent PNG
  3. Import into Paint 3D

Known Limitations:

Magic Select struggles with:

  • Hair and fur (especially fine details)
  • Transparent glass or water
  • Subjects same color as background
  • Very small subjects
  • Low-resolution images

For these cases, use dedicated tools like Photoshop, GIMP, or Remove.bg.

Problem 11: Magic Select Leaves White/Black Border

Issue: After using Magic Select and placing cutout on transparent canvas, there’s an unwanted white, black, or colored border/halo around the subject.

Cause:

  • Aliasing from original background
  • Edge pixels contain mixed colors
  • PNG compression artifacts

Solution:

Method 1: Refine Selection Edges

  1. After using Magic Select, click Add
  2. Use small brush to carefully remove edge pixels
  3. Zoom in (Ctrl + Mouse Wheel) for precision
  4. Carefully brush away border pixels
  5. Click Done

Method 2: Use Eraser on Transparent Canvas

  1. Place your cutout on transparent canvas:
    • Menu → Canvas → Enable Transparent canvas
  2. Select Eraser tool
  3. Reduce eraser size to small
  4. Zoom in
  5. Carefully erase border pixels
  6. Save as PNG to preserve transparency

Method 3: Try Different Export Format

  1. Save as PNG-24 for best transparency quality
  2. Avoid JPG (doesn’t support transparency)
  3. Check “Transparent canvas” before saving

Prevention Tip:

Use images with higher contrast between subject and background for cleaner Magic Select results.

Save & Export Problems

Problem 12: Can’t Save as PNG with Transparent Background

Issue: When you save your image as PNG, the background is white instead of transparent.

Cause: Transparent canvas option not enabled before saving.

Solution:

Enable Transparent Canvas:

  1. In Paint 3D, click Menu (folder icon, top left)
  2. Select Canvas
  3. Toggle ON the Transparent canvas option
  4. The background will now show a checkered pattern (indicates transparency)
  5. Click Menu → Save as
  6. Choose Image
  7. Select PNG format
  8. Choose location and click Save

Important: You MUST enable transparent canvas before saving. You cannot add transparency to a PNG after saving with white background.

Verify Transparency:

After saving:

  1. Right-click the saved PNG file
  2. Select Open with → Photos or Windows Photo Viewer
  3. If transparent, you should see:
    • Checkered background (in some viewers)
    • Or white background that changes when placed on colored background

Problem 13: Can’t Export 3D Model (FBX, GLB, 3MF)

Issue: Export to 3D formats is grayed out or doesn’t work. Can’t save for 3D printing or use in other 3D software.

Solution:

Ensure You Have 3D Objects:

Export to 3D formats only works if your canvas contains 3D objects.

  1. Check if you’ve added any 3D shapes or 3D doodles
  2. If only 2D drawing exists, add at least one 3D element
  3. Then try exporting

Export 3D Model Steps:

  1. Click Menu (top left)
  2. Select Save as
  3. Choose 3D model
  4. Select format:
    • 3MF – For 3D printing (Microsoft 3D Builder)
    • FBX – For animation software (Blender, Maya, Unity)
    • GLB – For web 3D and AR applications
  5. Click Save

Troubleshoot Export Failures:

If export fails or freezes:

  1. Simplify your model:
    • Reduce number of 3D objects
    • Use basic shapes instead of complex imported models
    • Remove unnecessary details
  2. Check file permissions:
    • Export to Desktop or Documents (not system folders)
    • Ensure you have write permissions
  3. Update Paint 3D:
    • Open Microsoft Store → Downloads and updates
    • Update Paint 3D to latest version
  4. Restart Paint 3D and try again

Problem 14: File Size Too Large

Issue: Saved Paint 3D files are extremely large (100+ MB) and take too long to save or share.

Solution:

For 2D Images:

  1. Reduce canvas size:
    • Menu → Canvas → Set smaller dimensions
    • Recommended: 1920×1080 for high quality
  2. Save as JPEG instead of PNG:
    • JPEG files are much smaller
    • Use PNG only when you need transparency
  3. Reduce quality on export:
    • Some image editors allow quality adjustment
    • 85-90% quality is usually unnoticeable

For 3D Models:

  1. Reduce polygon count:
    • Use simpler 3D shapes
    • Avoid importing high-poly models from 3D library
  2. Export to GLB instead of FBX:
    • GLB files are typically more compressed
  3. Remove unnecessary objects:
    • Delete hidden or overlapping 3D elements
  4. Use external 3D compression tools:
    • After exporting, use tools like:
      • Blender (free) – Can reduce poly count
      • Online 3D optimizers

3D Models & Objects Issues

Problem 15: Can’t Import 3D Models (STL, OBJ, FBX)

Issue: When trying to insert a 3D model file, Paint 3D shows error or doesn’t recognize the file.

Supported 3D Formats:

  • 3MF
  • FBX
  • STL
  • OBJ
  • GLB
  • GLTF
  • PLY

Solution:

Verify File Format:

  1. Right-click your 3D file
  2. Select Properties
  3. Check Type of file
  4. Ensure it’s one of the supported formats above

If format is unsupported:

  • Convert using free tools like Blender or online converters
  • Export to FBX, OBJ, or 3MF

Import Method:

  1. Open Paint 3D
  2. Click Menu → Insert
  3. Browse to your 3D model file
  4. Select and click Open

OR

  1. Drag and drop 3D file directly into Paint 3D canvas

Check File Corruption:

If file won’t import:

  1. Try opening in another 3D viewer (Windows 3D Viewer, Blender)
  2. If it doesn’t open anywhere, file may be corrupted
  3. Re-download or re-export the model

File Size Limit:

  • Very large files (100+ MB) may fail to import
  • Simplify model in 3D editing software first
  • Reduce polygon count

Problem 16: Remix 3D Library Not Available

Issue: You can’t access the Remix 3D community library that previously provided free 3D models within Paint 3D.

Cause: Microsoft discontinued Remix 3D service on January 12, 2022.

Solution:

Alternative 3D Model Sources:

Use these free 3D model libraries instead:

  1. Sketchfab – https://sketchfab.com
    • Huge library of free 3D models
    • Download as FBX, OBJ, GLB
    • Many free Creative Commons models
  2. TurboSquid Free – https://www.turbosquid.com/Search/3D-Models/free
    • Professional quality free models
    • Multiple formats
  3. Free3D – https://free3d.com
    • Free downloads
    • Various categories
  4. CGTrader Free – https://www.cgtrader.com/free-3d-models
    • Quality free models
    • Commercial use options
  5. Thingiverse – https://www.thingiverse.com
    • 3D printing models
    • STL format (compatible with Paint 3D)

How to Use:

  1. Download model from any source above
  2. Ensure format is compatible (FBX, OBJ, STL, GLB)
  3. Import into Paint 3D using Menu → Insert

Problem 17: 3D Text Not Appearing or Looks Flat

Issue: When adding 3D text, it appears flat like 2D text or doesn’t show any depth.

Solution:

Enable 3D Text Properly:

  1. Click Text tool in toolbar
  2. Type your text
  3. Important: In the right sidebar, select 3D text (NOT “2D text”)
  4. Adjust depth slider to increase 3D extrusion
  5. Choose bevel style (sharp or soft edge)

Rotate to See 3D Effect:

The 3D effect may not be visible from straight-on view.

  1. After creating 3D text, click anywhere outside to deselect
  2. Click and drag on the canvas to rotate the view
  3. You’ll now see the depth and dimension

Increase Depth:

  1. Click on your 3D text to select it
  2. In right panel, drag Depth slider to the right
  3. Higher depth = more pronounced 3D effect

Apply Color and Effects:

  1. Select 3D text
  2. Choose color from palette
  3. Add texture or finish (matte, gloss, metal)
  4. Adjust lighting from Effects menu for better shadows

Graphics & Display Problems

Problem 18: Paint 3D Display Issues (Black Screen, Flickering, Artifacts)

Issue: Paint 3D shows a black screen, flickers, displays visual glitches, or graphical artifacts appear on screen.

Cause:

  • Outdated graphics drivers
  • Graphics card incompatibility
  • DirectX issues
  • Hardware acceleration conflicts

Solution:

Update Graphics Drivers (Most Important):

Follow instructions in Problem 6, Step 1

Disable Hardware Acceleration:

  1. Close Paint 3D
  2. Press Windows + I (Settings)
  3. Go to System → Display → Graphics settings
  4. Click Browse
  5. Navigate to: C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\
  6. Find Paint 3D folder (you may need to enable Show hidden files)
  7. Add Paint3D.exe
  8. Click Options
  9. Select Power saving (disables hardware acceleration)
  10. Click Save
  11. Restart Paint 3D

Check Display Settings:

  1. Right-click desktop → Display settings
  2. Ensure Scale and layout is set to 100% or 125%
  3. If using multiple monitors, try using Paint 3D on primary monitor only

Run DirectX Diagnostic:

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type: dxdiag
  3. Press Enter
  4. Check for any errors or issues listed
  5. Ensure DirectX version is 11 or 12
  6. If problems detected, run Windows Update

Problem 19: Paint 3D Looks Blurry on High-DPI Display

Issue: Paint 3D interface appears blurry or fuzzy on high-resolution monitors (4K, 1440p) or high-DPI displays.

Cause: Windows scaling conflicts with Paint 3D’s display rendering.

Solution:

Adjust Application DPI Settings:

  1. Find Paint 3D in Start Menu
  2. Right-click → Open file location
  3. Right-click the Paint 3D shortcut → Open file location again
  4. Right-click Paint3D.exe → Properties
  5. Go to Compatibility tab
  6. Click Change high DPI settings
  7. Check Override high DPI scaling behavior
  8. Select Application from dropdown
  9. Click OK → Apply → OK
  10. Restart Paint 3D

Adjust Windows Scaling:

  1. Right-click desktop → Display settings
  2. Under Scale and layout, try different percentages:
    • 100%, 125%, 150%
  3. Sign out and sign back in for changes to take effect

File Format & Compatibility Issues

Problem 20: Paint 3D Won’t Open PSD, AI, or Other Format Files

Issue: You’re trying to open Photoshop (PSD), Adobe Illustrator (AI), or other file formats, but Paint 3D doesn’t recognize them.

Supported Image Formats:

  • ✅ PNG
  • ✅ JPG / JPEG
  • ✅ BMP
  • ✅ GIF
  • ✅ TIFF
  • ❌ PSD (Photoshop)
  • ❌ AI (Adobe Illustrator)
  • ❌ SVG (vector)
  • ❌ WEBP
  • ❌ HEIC

Solution:

Convert to Supported Format:

Method 1: Use Original Software

  • Open PSD in Photoshop → Export as PNG or JPEG
  • Open AI in Illustrator → Export as PNG

Method 2: Use Free Converters

Online:

Desktop (Free):

Method 3: Use Windows Photos App

  1. Right-click image
  2. Open with → Photos
  3. If it opens, click … (three dots) → Save as
  4. Choose PNG or JPEG

Problem 21: Saved Paint 3D Project Won’t Open on Another PC

Issue: You saved a Paint 3D project on one computer, but when trying to open it on another PC, it won’t load or shows errors.

Cause:

  • Paint 3D not installed on second PC
  • Different Paint 3D versions
  • Missing linked 3D models
  • Corrupted file during transfer

Solution:

Ensure Paint 3D Installed:

Both computers must have Paint 3D installed from Microsoft Store.

Save in Universal Format:

Instead of saving as proprietary Paint 3D project:

  1. Export as PNG (for 2D images)
  2. Export as 3MF or GLB (for 3D models)
  3. These formats open in multiple programs

Transfer Files Properly:

  • Use USB drive, OneDrive, or email to transfer
  • Avoid compressing files (don’t ZIP unless necessary)
  • Ensure file transfers completely (check file size matches original)

Re-save Project:

On original PC:

  1. Open project
  2. Go to Menu → Save as
  3. Choose Image (PNG) or 3D Model (3MF)
  4. Save with new name
  5. Transfer this universal format file

Missing Features After Update

Problem 22: Features Missing After Windows or Paint 3D Update

Issue: After a Windows update or Paint 3D update, some features you used before are now missing or grayed out.

Commonly Reported Missing Features:

  • Remix 3D integration (discontinued 2022)
  • Some preset 3D models
  • Certain effects or filters
  • Community features

Solution:

Remix 3D Removal:

As mentioned earlier, Remix 3D was officially discontinued. Use alternative 3D model sources (see Problem 16).

Check Paint 3D Version:

  1. Open Paint 3D
  2. Click Settings (gear icon)
  3. Scroll to About
  4. Check version number
  5. Compare with latest version on Microsoft Store

Update to Latest Version:

  1. Open Microsoft Store
  2. Click your profile icon
  3. Select Downloads and updates
  4. Click Get updates
  5. Update Paint 3D if available

Roll Back Windows Update (Advanced):

If a Windows update broke functionality:

  1. Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
  2. Click View update history
  3. Click Uninstall updates
  4. Find recent Windows update
  5. Click Uninstall
  6. Restart PC

Warning: Only do this if you’re certain the Windows update caused the problem.

Report Issue to Microsoft:

  1. Open Feedback Hub (built into Windows)
  2. Select Report a problem
  3. Choose category: Apps → Paint 3D
  4. Describe missing feature
  5. Submit feedback

How to Reinstall or Reset Paint 3D

Complete Reinstallation Guide

Sometimes the best solution is a fresh start. Here’s how to completely uninstall and reinstall Paint 3D.

Step 1: Uninstall Paint 3D

Method 1: Through Settings

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
  2. Go to Apps → Apps & features (Windows 10) OR Installed apps (Windows 11)
  3. Search for Paint 3D
  4. Click on it
  5. Click Uninstall
  6. Confirm by clicking Uninstall again
  7. Wait for process to complete

Method 2: Using PowerShell (Complete Removal)

  1. Press Windows + X
  2. Select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin)
  3. Copy and paste this command:
PowerShellGet-AppxPackage *Microsoft.MSPaint* | Remove-AppxPackage
  1. Press Enter
  2. Wait for confirmation message
  3. Close PowerShell

Step 2: Clean Residual Files (Optional but Recommended)

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type: %localappdata%
  3. Press Enter
  4. Look for Microsoft\Paint 3D folder
  5. Delete it (if exists)
  6. Press Windows + R again
  7. Type: %appdata%
  8. Delete Microsoft\Paint 3D folder (if exists)

Step 3: Restart Your PC

Reboot to ensure all Paint 3D processes are terminated and system registers the removal.

Step 4: Reinstall Paint 3D

Step 5: Verify Installation

  1. Open Paint 3D
  2. Create a new project
  3. Test basic features:
    • Drawing with brushes
    • Creating 3D shapes
    • Saving a file
  4. If everything works, reinstallation was successful

Reset Paint 3D (Without Uninstalling)

If you don’t want to fully uninstall, you can reset Paint 3D to default settings:

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
  2. Go to Apps → Apps & features (or Installed apps)
  3. Find Paint 3D
  4. Click Advanced options
  5. Scroll down to Reset section
  6. Click Repair first (this keeps your data)
  7. If Repair doesn’t help, click Reset (this deletes app data)
  8. Confirm by clicking Reset
  9. Restart Paint 3D

Note: Reset will delete:

  • App settings and preferences
  • Recent files list
  • Custom configurations

Reset will NOT delete:

  • Your actual saved Paint 3D project files
  • Images and 3D models you created

Still Having Problems?

If none of the solutions above resolved your issue, here are additional resources:

Official Microsoft Support

Microsoft Community Forums: https://answers.microsoft.com

  • Post your specific issue
  • Microsoft experts and community members can help

Contact Microsoft Support Directly: https://support.microsoft.com/contactus

  • Chat with support agent
  • Schedule callback
  • Get personalized assistance

Community Help Resources

Reddit Communities:

  • r/Windows10
  • r/Windows11
  • r/techsupport

YouTube Tutorials: Search for: “Paint 3D troubleshooting” or your specific problem

Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com

Hardware & Driver Support

Graphics Card Support:

Windows Update: Always keep Windows updated for best compatibility:

  • Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Check for updates

Troubleshooting Checklist

Before contacting support, run through this quick checklist:

  •  Windows is updated to latest version
  •  Paint 3D is updated to latest version
  •  Graphics drivers are up to date
  •  Tried restarting PC
  •  Tried repairing/resetting Paint 3D
  •  Sufficient disk space available (at least 500 MB free)
  •  Not using 32-bit Windows (Paint 3D requires 64-bit)
  •  DirectX 11 or higher installed
  •  Tried different file formats if import/export issue
  •  Disabled antivirus temporarily to test
  •  No conflicting software running

Common Error Codes & Solutions

Error CodeMeaningSolution
0x80073CF9Installation conflictReset Microsoft Store cache, reinstall
0x80073D0DApp package issueRun PowerShell reinstall command
0x803F8001Licensing errorSign in with correct Microsoft account
0x87E10BC6Download failedCheck internet connection, retry
0x80070002File not foundRepair/reset Paint 3D
0xC0000005Access violationUpdate graphics drivers, run as admin
0x80070005Permission deniedCheck folder permissions, run as admin

Prevention Tips

Avoid future Paint 3D problems with these best practices:

Regular Maintenance:

  • Keep Windows updated monthly
  • Update graphics drivers every 2-3 months
  • Clear temporary files regularly
  • Maintain at least 10% free disk space

Safe File Practices:

  • Save work frequently (Ctrl + S)
  • Use Save As for important projects (create backups)
  • Export to multiple formats (PNG + 3MF)
  • Store files in easily accessible locations (Documents, not system folders)

Performance Optimization:

  • Close unused apps when working on complex projects
  • Don’t exceed 20-30 3D objects per scene
  • Use reasonable canvas sizes (1920×1080 max for most projects)
  • Restart Paint 3D after working on multiple large projects

System Health:

  • Run antivirus scans weekly
  • Check for malware monthly
  • Monitor system temperatures (especially laptops)
  • Clean physical dust from PC vents

Contact Us

Found this troubleshooting guide helpful? Have a problem we didn’t cover?

Disclaimer

Paints3D.net is an independent informational website. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to Microsoft Corporation.

Paint 3D, Microsoft, Windows, Windows 10, Windows 11, and all related trademarks are property of Microsoft Corporation.

All solutions provided are based on community research, user reports, and publicly available technical documentation. Follow instructions at your own risk. We recommend backing up important files before making system changes.

For official support, please contact Microsoft Support directly.

Last Updated: 18/2/2026
Total Solutions: 22 problems solved
Average Resolution Time: 5-15 minutes per issue

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