How to Uninstall and Reinstall Paint in Windows 11
Uninstalling and reinstalling Paint in Windows 11 fixes issues when the app crashes or doesn’t work right. Paint is a basic program included with Windows that lets you draw and edit images.
Uninstalling and reinstalling the Paint program in Windows 11 resolves problems with the application. This repair process, which involves removing Paint and then adding it back, typically takes less than five minutes to complete.
Follow these steps to get a fresh version of Paint installed on your computer.
Open Settings, go to Apps > Installed apps, find Paint, click the ellipsis (…), and select Uninstall. Then, download the Paint installer from Microsoft’s website and run the downloaded file to reinstall it.
Why Uninstall and Reinstall Paint?
Uninstalling and reinstalling Paint fixes problems when the app is not working correctly, such as when Paint's files are damaged. This process gives Paint a fresh start on your computer, which often solves glitches and makes the Paint app work properly again.
Before You Start
Before you begin, make sure your Windows 11 is updated to version 22H2 or later, as this guide only works for newer versions. You can quickly check your Windows version by typing ‘winver’ into the search bar and pressing Enter.
Step 1Uninstalling Paint
To remove the Paint application from your Windows 11 computer, you will use the built-in Windows Settings app. This process ensures the application is completely uninstalled, allowing for a fresh installation.
Open Windows Settings
Click the Start button, which is in the bottom-left corner. Then, click the Settings gear icon. You can also press the Windows key + I on your keyboard at the same time. This is a quick way to open Settings.
Go to Apps
In the Settings window, look for Apps on the left side. Click on it. This section lets you manage all the programs on your PC.
Find Installed Apps
Inside the Apps section, click on Installed apps on the left. You will see a list of everything installed on your computer.
Locate Paint
Scroll through the list to find Paint. Or, use the search bar at the top of the “Installed apps” list. Type “Paint” in the search box. As you type, the list will update, and you should see the Paint app appear.
Start the Uninstall
To uninstall Paint in Windows 11, first find the app in your search results. Click the three dots next to its name to open a small menu. Then, choose ‘Uninstall’ from that menu to remove the Paint app from your computer.
Confirm the Uninstall
Step 2Reinstalling Paint
Go to the Microsoft Download Page
Open your web browser. Go to the official Microsoft Support page for uninstalling and reinstalling Paint. You can usually find this page by searching for “uninstall reinstall Paint Windows” online. Microsoft provides the link.
- Paint Windows 64-bit (most common)
- Paint Windows 32-bit
Choose the Right Installer
You need the correct installer to uninstall and reinstall Paint in Windows 11.
Helpful Tip: To find out if you have a 64-bit or 32-bit system, go to Settings > System > About. Look for “System type.” It will tell you if you have a 64-bit operating system or a similar designation.
Click the download link for the correct Paint installer. The file will download to your computer, usually in your “Downloads” folder.
Run the Installer
When the download is finished, open your Downloads folder. Find the Paint installer file you just downloaded. The file might have a name like Paint_x64.exe. Double-click this file to start the installation.
Follow the Instructions
A setup wizard guides the Paint reinstallation. The Paint reinstallation wizard is simple, requiring users to click "Next" or "Install" a few times. The installer then places Paint version 11.2309.2007.0 back onto the computer.
Finish the Installation
When the installation is complete, you will see a message saying so. You can now close the installer. Paint should be back on your computer and ready to use!
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Summary
You can uninstall and reinstall Paint in Windows 11 by using the Settings app and downloading it from Microsoft. This is a good way to fix app problems. First, go to Settings, then Apps, then Installed apps, find Paint, click the three dots, and choose Uninstall.
Is it safe to uninstall Microsoft Paint?
You can now uninstall the inbox Paint and Snipping Tool apps from the Windows operating system. This article shows not only how to uninstall the app, but also how to reinstall it.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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