Microsoft Paint Is Not Being Retired Internet Rejoices

This week Microsoft announced its old school program Microsoft Paint might be retired in the next version of the company’s Windows operating system. But after an internet outcry, the dodgy drawings on the original painting tool will continue.

The Guardian first spotted MS Paint in a Microsoft list of features that are to be removed or deprecated in the Windows 10 Fall creators update. Deprecated is defined by the company as “might be removed from future releases.”

That was enough to spread fury around the internet, with fans of the app taking to Twitter, Reddit, and any other forum to lament the loss of their favorite nostalgic painting tool.

Hey, @Microsoft, we have a hostage. If you want to see him alive again, don´t kill Paint. Paint is OURS. LAST WARNING. pic.twitter.com/x4omvcVpNH
— Martin McKnife (@Martin_McKnife) July 24, 2017
It’s a sad day. I remember spending hours in school doing this on Microsoft Paint #MSPaint pic.twitter.com/AnQu9qVAw5
— Daniel (@DanielBruce_8) July 24, 2017
But Microsoft was quick to allay the fears of Paint enthusiasts, stating in a blog post: “Today, 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, MS Paint has a lot of fans. It’s been amazing to see so much love for our trusty old app. 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.”

The blog post added that MS Paint is here to stay, and will soon be available for free in the Windows Store. Once again Twitter reacted, but this time with joy rather than frustration.

pic.twitter.com/dMERWnDLyU
— Percival S. August (@pollshub) July 25, 2017
MS Paint 4 Life, I made this in Paint btw pic.twitter.com/ErvUTN1YBm
— Shubh Sharma (@Ishubh13) July 25, 2017

About the author

Peter Ward

Tech Editor

Peter was born in Birmingham, England and was raised in North Wales. He studied journalism at the University of Sheffield before moving to Dubai, where he worked for several business magazines. After three years in the Middle East, Peter moved to New York to earn his master's degree in business journalism from Columbia University Journalism School. He has since written for international publications such as Bloomberg, The Economist and Newsweek. In his spare time Peter loves to play and watch soccer, go to the movies, read, and play video games.