Microsoft has revealed that long-standing image creation tool Paint is set to be removed from Windows in the near future.
The basic drawing tool has been a part of Windows since version 1.0 launched in 1985 and has long been the go-to programme for quick image edits.
they are closing MS paint ;(
— cryfar (@G4MERGUY) July 24, 2017
But as part of preparations for the launch of the next update to Windows – the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update which is due to launch in the autumn, the tech giant released a list of programmes that it is removing or no longer actively developing, of which Paint was one.
A date for Paint’s demise has not been confirmed, but it could be as soon as the Fall Creators Update due to launch in September or October.
Fans of the Paint were quick to take to social media to express their sadness at the software’s impending doom.
Removing MS Paint is almost as bad as removing Pinball. ????
— Nathan Adams (@Dinnerbone) July 24, 2017
Children of the future will never know the joy of spending hours doing this on Microsoft Paint #MSpaint pic.twitter.com/IY6kDxPdc4
— Fiona (@McDoFi) July 24, 2017
WHAT! Microsoft is killing Paint! Now what will I do my spriting with?!!!
— Deukhoofd (@Deukhoofd) July 24, 2017
Pouring one out for ol’ mate MS Paint RIP pic.twitter.com/GTsCsfnIgG
— ENOLA GAY (@shutupelysha) July 24, 2017
what do yoU MEAN MICROSOFT’S KILLING OFF PAINT
— Angie (@doodles_angie) July 24, 2017
However, the end of Paint isn’t perhaps that surprising considering that earlier this year Microsoft introduced Paint 3D, a new version of the software which as the name suggests supports 3D image creation for the first time.
It was rolled out as part of the Windows 10 Creators Update in April and while it currently sits alongside Paint, it now appears as though Paint 3D will take over the native image creation tool in Windows software of the future.
Among the social media sadness there was also some acknowledgement that the software’s time had come, with some pointing out that superior design tools existed elsewhere.
To be honest, i haven’t used MS Paint for years. I’ve been useing https://t.co/OLtkR1Dqs3 because it has the functionality I need.
— Robert Falla-Louvét (@lanerobertlane) July 24, 2017
Technology expert and founder of tech site Pocket-lint, Stuart Miles expressed similar sentiment.
“It’s where it all started, so you have to hold on to some nostalgia, but like all things nostalgic you also have to acknowledge it’s time to move on,” he said.
“With so many graphic-based apps now available, the options MS Paint has leave it looking outdated.”
And perhaps most tellingly, one of internet’s most prominent Paint users – online MS Paint artist Jim’ll Paint It – who appeared unmoved over the announcement when asked on Twitter.
Paint hasn’t been all that since they messed about with it anyway. I’m running XP on a virtual machine because it’s the best one.
— Jim’ll Paint It (@Jimllpaintit) July 24, 2017
So farewell, Microsoft Paint, and thanks for the badly-drawn memories.
