open with paint 3d missing

Guri Bee

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18-10-2024

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"Open With" Missing Paint 3D: A Troubleshooting Guide

Have you ever right-clicked an image, excitedly chosen "Open with," only to find Paint 3D mysteriously absent from the list? This frustrating issue can leave you scrambling for alternatives. Fear not, this article will guide you through troubleshooting steps to restore Paint 3D's rightful place in your "Open With" menu.

Understanding the Issue:

The "Open With" menu relies on Windows Registry entries to identify available applications for specific file types. Missing Paint 3D in this menu often indicates a corrupted registry entry or an issue with the Paint 3D installation.

Solutions:

1. Re-register Paint 3D:

• Find the Paint 3D executable: Navigate to your Windows installation directory, usually C:\Program Files\WindowsApps. Look for the folder named Microsoft.MSPaint_x.x.xxxxx_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe (the numbers might vary). Inside, you'll find MSPaint.exe.
• Run as administrator: Right-click MSPaint.exe and select "Run as administrator."
• Re-registration: In the command prompt window that appears, type the following command and press Enter: regsvr32 /i MSPaint.exe. This will re-register Paint 3D with your system.
• Restart: Restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

2. Verify Paint 3D Installation:

• Control Panel: Go to Control Panel -> Programs and Features.
• Check for Paint 3D: Look for "Paint 3D" in the list of installed programs. If it's not there, you'll need to reinstall it.
• Reinstall Paint 3D: If you see Paint 3D, try repairing the installation by right-clicking it and choosing "Repair." If it's missing, re-install Paint 3D from the Microsoft Store.

3. Reset File Association:

• Right-click the image: Choose "Open with" -> "Choose another app."
• Select Paint 3D: If Paint 3D is in the list, select it and check the box for "Always use this app to open .[file extension]" (e.g., .jpg, .png).
• Verify: Right-click the image again and confirm Paint 3D is now the default app.

4. Troubleshoot Registry Issues (Advanced):

• Caution: Editing the registry can be risky. Back up your registry before proceeding.
• Registry Editor: Press "Windows key + R" to open the Run dialog. Type regedit and press Enter.
• Navigate to the key: Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Applications.
• Locate Paint 3D: Look for a folder named Microsoft.MSPaint_x.x.xxxxx_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe (numbers might vary). This folder should contain information about Paint 3D.
• Verify: Ensure the file associations are correct. If there are issues, you can delete or rename the problematic key and then try reinstalling Paint 3D.

Additional Tips:

• Check for Windows updates: Sometimes, outdated Windows versions can cause compatibility issues.
• Run a system scan: Use Windows' built-in troubleshooter or a third-party antivirus to check for malware or corrupted system files.
• Temporarily disable your antivirus: If you suspect your antivirus software is interfering, temporarily disable it and try opening the image with Paint 3D.

Conclusion:

The absence of Paint 3D from the "Open With" menu can be frustrating, but it's typically an easily fixable issue. By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to restore Paint 3D's functionality and open your images with ease.

Remember, if you encounter persistent issues, you can always contact Microsoft support for further assistance.