Not quite dead: MS Paint rises from the ashes

Johannesburg -  Popular application Microsoft Paint received a lifeline on Tuesday, after software giant Microsoft announced on Monday that it would be canning the simple design program in its next Windows update.

Less than 24 hours after announcing it would either removed or no longer update the retro computer application, Microsoft announced that they decided to keep the program “after an outpouring of love.”

“We’ve seen an incredible outpouring of support and nostalgia around MS Paint. If there’s anything we learned, it’s that after 32 years, Paint has a lot of fans. It’s been amazing to see so much love for our trusty old app,” said Megan Saunders, Windows General Manager for 3D for Everyone Initiative, in blogpost.

“Amidst today’s commentary around MS Paint we wanted to take this opportunity to set the record straight, clear up some confusion and share some good news: MS Paint is here to stay, it will just have a new home soon, in the Windows Store where it will be available for free,” she further said in the blog post. 

Also new kid on the block, Paint 3D, will continue to receive free new feature updates in the Windows 10 Creators Update. 

In addition to the new 3D capabilities, many of the MS Paint features people know and love such as photo editing, line and curve tools, and 2D creation are in Paint 3D.

“So, thanks for all the MS Paint love, keep the feedback coming via the Paint 3D app, and keep creatin,!” Saunders said.