The latest articles on DEV Community by Travis Head (@travis_head_9). https://dev.to/travis_head_9 https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F4148959%2F49dc24af-8846-47b2-b5af-bfcfa4353c80.png https://dev.to/travis_head_9 en Travis Head Tue, 29 Sep 2026 07:47:11 +0000 https://dev.to/travis_head_9/running-microsoft-paint-3d-on-windows-11-after-its-store-removal-3enf https://dev.to/travis_head_9/running-microsoft-paint-3d-on-windows-11-after-its-store-removal-3enf <p>Microsoft Paint 3D is an interesting example of software that has been discontinued without immediately becoming unusable.</p> <p>The application is no longer actively developed or distributed in the Microsoft Store, but existing installations continue to work and the final Windows package can still run on compatible systems.</p> <h2> Why people still use Paint 3D </h2> <p>Despite the name, Paint 3D is useful for more than basic 3D work.</p> <p>Typical tasks include:</p> <ul> <li>removing image backgrounds</li> <li>working with transparent PNG files</li> <li>adding stickers and textures</li> <li>creating simple 3D shapes</li> <li>exporting short animations</li> <li>resizing and cropping images</li> </ul> <h2> Installing it today </h2> <p>Because the Microsoft Store route is no longer available, installation generally involves the final AppxBundle package.</p> <p>Before installing a package like this, users should always verify:</p> <ul> <li>the package version</li> <li>the publisher signature</li> <li>Windows compatibility</li> <li>the source of the file</li> </ul> <p>For reference, the <a href="https://paint3dlab.com/download/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Paint 3D final build</a> page documents the last release together with version and verification information.</p> <h2> AppxBundle installation </h2> <p>Windows App Installer can normally open an <code>.AppxBundle</code> directly.</p> <p>A PowerShell alternative is also possible using <code>Add-AppxPackage</code> when App Installer does not work.</p> <h2> Final thought </h2> <p>Discontinued software does not necessarily stop working immediately. The important part is understanding what is still supported, what has stopped receiving updates, and how to verify installation files before using them.</p> microsoft productivity software tools