Windows 10 May Make WordPad And Paint Downloadable Soon - Olmec Skip to main content

Windows 10 May Make WordPad And Paint Downloadable Soon

By September 9, 2019May 16th, 2022Technology News

There’s another chapter in the ongoing MS Paint saga.

In case you missed the first part of the story, several months ago, Microsoft upset its user base when a Windows 10 Build took Paint out of the equation. They replaced it with an updated version of the software that supported 3D effects and other advanced features.

They made the original Paint, which has been part of the Windows ecosystem since the earliest versions, available as an optional download.

The program was never that good or the best in class, so the company was astounded by the blowback that followed.  The company’s massive user base revolted, and Microsoft quickly backed away from their original plan to retire it, stating that they’d revisit the issue at a later date.

Now seems to be that ‘later date’ the company was referring to.  Windows Insiders spotted a change that foretells an ominous future for the venerable piece of code.  In all prior versions of Windows, it was impossible to uninstall either WordPad or Paint, but in the latest build, both are listed as optional features. As such, they can be uninstalled if the user wishes.

This is the same basic arc the company used to slowly get rid of Windows Media Player. Fans of paint (and it has legions of fans, apparently) fear that the old art program is destined to meet a similar fate. This goes along with WordPad, which has a significantly smaller fan following and isn’t causing as much of an uproar.

Microsoft continues to try to assure users that the original paint will be made freely available in the Microsoft Store for anyone who wants it, but fans of the old program are not satisfied.  Admittedly, although a small thing, the eventual loss of Paint will feel like the end of an era.

Jason Manteiga

Jason J. Manteiga, Vice President of Olmec Systems, has been part of the company for over the past 20 years. He believes that having a great work environment and supportive team, is the ultimate key to success. Since being in the IT realm for over 25 years, Jason, along with Olmec Systems, has been on the Inc. 5000 “List of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies” and Channel Futures MSP 501 “Top Managed Service Providers in North America,” along with other awards and nominations. Jason earned his Bachelor Degree in Information Systems from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He also holds certifications in Microsoft MCSE, VMWare VCP, and Cisco CCNA. In his spare time, Jason is a contributor for The Center for Social & Legal Research (Privacy Exchange) and a member of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. His hobbies include cycling and kayaking. He currently lives in New Jersey with his wife, two daughters and son.