Microsoft replaced the old paint app on Windows 10 with the new Paint 3D software. However, the old paint app is still an intuitive drawing app preferred by many Windows 10 users. So, how do you open Paint in Windows 10 if the app is not available on your desktop?
Microsoft offers multiple ways to open system and pre-installed apps on Windows 10 running computers. Similarly, there are multiple ways to open the Paint app in Windows 10. For example, you can launch it from the paint location, desktop shortcut, start menu and command processor.
Here we have listed 6 ways to open Paint in Windows 10.
Method 1. Open Paint in Windows 10 from the Start Menu
The easiest way to open Paint in Windows 10 is to access it from the Start Menu. The Start menu generally lists the most frequently used and recently installed apps.
To open Paint from the Start menu, click the Start button. Alternatively, press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
In the Start Menu, scroll down to the Windows Accessories folder. Click on the folder to expand and view the apps. Click on the Paint app to launch it.
Method 2. Open Paint in Windows 10 by Searching
If you don’t find the paint app in the Accessories folder, you can open it using the Windows search bar. Windows search bar is a handy utility to find files, folders, apps and even perform web search without leaving the desktop.
To open the Paint app:
Press the Windows key to bring up the search option and type Paint in the search box.
From the search result, click on the Paint app to launch it. Note that Paint 3D is the new app and often shows up when searching for Paint.
Method 3. Open Paint in Windows 10 from the Run Box
The Run box in Windows 10 is another handy utility used by power users to quickly access the Control Panel applets, system apps and more. If you know the command, you can open the Paint app using the Run box as well.
Press the Windows key + R to open Run.
In the Run box, type mspaint and click OK or hit enter to execute. This will open the Paint app instantly. If you get any error, check the command and try again.
Method 4. Open Paint in Windows 10 via Command Prompt
The command processor in Windows 10 and other editions of the OS is an incredibly handy utility for power users. You can use it to open installed apps such as Paint, diagnose your computer issues and more.
Here’s how to use the Command Prompt in Windows 10 to open the Paint app.
Right-click on the Start button to show the Win+X menu. Alternatively, Press the Windows key + X to open the menu.
If you see the PowerShell option instead of Command Prompt, then press the Windows key, type cmd and hit Enter to open the Command Prompt.
In the Command Prompt window, type mspaint and hit Enter.
Command Prompt will execute the command and open the Paint app.
Method 5. Open Paint in Windows 10 via Windows PowerShell
PowerShell is an advanced task automation solution made up of a command-line shell. If you prefer PowerShell over the Command Prompt, you can use it to open the system apps as well.
Open the PowerShell app. To do this, press the Windows Key + X to bring up the WinX menu.
Click on the Windows PowerShell option from the options.
If you don’t find the PowerShell option in the WinX Menu, then press the Windows key and search for PowerShell. Open the PowerShell from the search result.
In the PowerShell window, type mspaint and hit Enter to open the Paint app.
Method 6. Create a Shortcut to Open Paint in Windows 10
Windows 10, by default, does not have a Paint app desktop shortcut. If you use the app frequently, having a desktop shortcut makes it convenient to access the drawing software. Here’s how to create a shortcut to open Paint in Windows 10.
Right-click on your desktop and select New and then choose Shortcut. It will open the Create Shortcut window.
Input mspaint in the Type the location of the item field. Click Next to continue.
Next, enter a new name for the app. You can leave it as default if you want. Click the Finish button to create your desktop shortcut for Paint in Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Open Paint in Windows 10
Where is paint.exe located in Windows 10?
Paint.exe is located in C:\Windows\System32\mspaint.exe. Open the File Explorer and copy and paste the path to open the installation folder.
How do I put a Paint icon on my desktop in Windows 10?
To put the Paint icon on your desktop, press the Windows key, and type Paint. Right-click on the paint app and choose Open File Location. Next, Right-click on the Paint app, select Send and then choose Desktop (Create shortcut).
What is the shortcut key to open Paint?
While there is no predefined shortcut key to open the Paint app, you can create a shortcut key in the properties. To create a shortcut key, right-click on the Paint app desktop shortcut and choose Properties.
In the Properties window, open the Shortcut tab. In the shortcut key field, press a key on your keyboard to assign it as the shortcut. Click Apply to save the changes.
Conclusion
Paint is an incredibly basic yet intuitive drawing and editing app available on all Windows 10 computer. If you are unable to locate the paint app, we have listed six ways to help you open the Paint app in Windows 10. We recommend you create a desktop shortcut to help you access the app without fiddling through the settings.
