Windows

Where Is Paint In Windows 8

When it comes to finding Paint in Windows 8, there might be a surprising twist that you weren't expecting. This popular graphics program, which has been a staple in previous versions of Windows, is not readily available in the default installation of Windows 8. So, where exactly is Paint hiding in this new operating system?

The absence of Paint in Windows 8 may leave many users wondering why Microsoft made this decision. Paint has a long history, dating back to the early days of Windows, and has been a go-to application for simple image editing and drawing. However, the removal of Paint was likely a result of Microsoft's focus on creating a newer and more powerful graphics application called Paint 3D. This newer program offers a wider range of features and capabilities, making it a suitable replacement for the traditional Paint.



Where Is Paint In Windows 8

Finding the Paint App in Windows 8

If you're familiar with previous versions of Windows, you may be wondering where the Paint app is located in Windows 8. With the release of Windows 8, Microsoft introduced a new interface called the Start screen, which replaced the traditional Start Menu. Although the Start screen offers a new way of accessing and organizing apps, it can be a bit confusing for users who are used to the old layout. In this article, we will explore various methods to find the Paint app in Windows 8, so you can continue using this popular graphics editing tool.

Method 1: Using the Start Screen

The easiest way to find the Paint app in Windows 8 is by using the Start screen. To access the Start screen, press the Windows key on your keyboard or click on the Windows icon located at the bottom-left corner of the screen. Once the Start screen appears, you can start typing "Paint" using the keyboard, and Windows will automatically search for the app. Alternatively, you can scroll through the tiles on the Start screen until you find the Paint app's icon.

Once you locate the Paint app's icon, you can click on it to launch the app. If you frequently use Paint, you may want to pin it to the Start screen for easy access. To do this, right-click on the Paint app's icon and select "Pin to Start." The Paint app will now appear as a tile on the Start screen, allowing you to quickly access it whenever you need it.

Another way to find the Paint app is by using the search function on the Start screen. To do this, swipe from the right edge of the screen (if you're using a touchscreen device) or move your mouse cursor to the top-right corner and click on the Search charm. In the search bar that appears, type "Paint" and Windows will display the Paint app as one of the search results. Simply click on the app to launch it.

Method 2: Using the Desktop

If you prefer using the desktop interface in Windows 8, you can still access the Paint app. To do this, go to the desktop by clicking on the Desktop tile in the Start screen or pressing the Windows key + D on your keyboard. Once you're on the desktop, right-click on an empty space and select "All apps" from the menu that appears.

This will bring up a list of all the installed apps on your computer, including the Paint app. Scroll through the list until you find the Paint app's icon and click on it to launch the app. You can also use the search function on the desktop by typing "Paint" in the search bar located in the top-right corner of the window.

Additionally, if you frequently use the Paint app, you can create a shortcut on your desktop for quick and easy access. To do this, locate the Paint app's icon in the list of apps, right-click on it, and select "Create shortcut." Windows will prompt you to confirm the creation of the shortcut, click "Yes" to proceed. The shortcut will be created on your desktop, allowing you to launch the Paint app with just a double-click.

Method 3: Using the Run Dialog

Another way to find the Paint app in Windows 8 is by using the Run dialog. To open the Run dialog, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. In the Run dialog box that appears, type "mspaint" (without the quotes) and click "OK" or press Enter. This will launch the Paint app directly.

The Run dialog is a quick way to access various apps and utilities in Windows, including Paint. It allows you to execute commands and launch applications by typing their names. If you frequently use the Paint app, you can create a desktop shortcut for the Run dialog to launch it even faster. Simply right-click on an empty space on the desktop, select "New," and then "Shortcut." In the "Type the location of the item" field, type "mspaint" and click "Next." Enter a name for the shortcut and click "Finish." You can now double-click the shortcut to launch the Paint app.

Alternative Graphics Editing Apps on Windows 8

If you're unable to find the Paint app or prefer using a different graphics editing tool on Windows 8, there are several alternatives available. These apps offer similar functionality to Paint and may even have additional features that can enhance your graphics editing experience. Some popular alternative apps include:

  • Paint.NET: Paint.NET is a powerful graphics editing tool that offers a wide range of features, including layers, effects, and plugins. It is a free and open-source software that is frequently updated.
  • GIMP: GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a versatile and powerful graphics editor that is often compared to Adobe Photoshop. It is an open-source software that is available for free.
  • Inkscape: Inkscape is a vector graphics editor that allows you to create and edit vector images. It offers a range of tools and features for creating professional-looking graphics.

These are just a few examples of alternative graphics editing apps available for Windows 8. You can search for more options online and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

In conclusion, finding the Paint app in Windows 8 can be a bit tricky due to the new Start screen interface. However, with the methods mentioned in this article, you can easily locate and launch the Paint app on your Windows 8 computer. If you prefer using a different graphics editing tool, there are alternative apps available that offer similar functionality. Explore these options to find the one that meets your requirements and start creating amazing graphics on your Windows 8 device.


Where Is Paint In Windows 8

Locating Paint in Windows 8

If you are using Windows 8 and are wondering where to find the Paint application, you're not alone. The updated operating system may have changed the location of this widely-used graphics editor from previous versions. However, fret not, as Paint is still available in Windows 8 and can be easily accessed.

To find Paint, follow these simple steps:

  • First, go to the Start screen by pressing the Windows key.
  • Next, locate the Search charm on the right side of the screen and click on it.
  • Type "Paint" in the search bar and hit Enter.
  • The search results will display the Paint application. Click on it to open.

Once Paint is open, you can start using it to create, edit, and enhance your images just like before. It offers a variety of tools and features to make your graphic design tasks easier and more enjoyable.


### Key Takeaways
  • The Paint application in Windows 8 can be found in the Start menu.
  • From the Start menu, go to the "All Apps" section and search for "Paint".
  • In the search results, click on the "Paint" app to open it.
  • You can also pin the Paint app to the Start menu for easy access in the future.
  • Paint is a basic image editing program that allows you to create and edit images on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about finding Paint in Windows 8:

1. How can I locate Paint in Windows 8?

To find Paint in Windows 8, go to the Start screen by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard or clicking on the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of the screen. Once you're on the Start screen, type "Paint" in the search bar at the top right corner. The Paint app should appear in the search results. Simply click on it to open the Paint program.

If you can't find the search bar on the Start screen, move your mouse cursor to the top or bottom right corner of the screen to bring up the Charms bar. Click on the "Search" option and then type "Paint" in the search bar. The Paint app should appear in the search results. Click on it to open the Paint program.

2. Is Paint included in all editions of Windows 8?

Yes, Paint is included in all editions of Windows 8. Whether you are using Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, or Windows 8 Enterprise, you should be able to find and use the Paint app.

3. Can I pin Paint to the taskbar in Windows 8?

Yes, you can pin the Paint app to the taskbar in Windows 8 for easy access. To do this, open the Paint app and right-click on its icon in the taskbar. From the context menu that appears, select "Pin to taskbar". The Paint app will now be pinned to the taskbar, allowing you to launch it with a single click.

If you want to remove the Paint app from the taskbar, simply right-click on its icon in the taskbar and select "Unpin from taskbar".

4. Can I use Paint to edit images in Windows 8?

Yes, you can use Paint to edit images in Windows 8. The Paint app in Windows 8 allows you to perform basic image editing tasks such as cropping, resizing, rotating, and adding text to images. While it may not have the advanced features of professional image editing software, Paint is a handy tool for making simple edits to images.

5. Are there any alternatives to Paint in Windows 8?

Yes, there are several alternatives to Paint in Windows 8. Some popular image editing software options include Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and Paint.NET. These programs offer more advanced features and capabilities compared to Paint. However, if you only need to perform simple image editing tasks, Paint should suffice.



So, in conclusion, finding Paint in Windows 8 is a little different compared to previous versions. Instead of being pre-installed, you'll need to download it from the Microsoft Store. But don't worry, it's still available and easy to access.

To find Paint in Windows 8, simply open the Microsoft Store and search for "Paint". Once you find it, click on the "Install" button to download and install it on your Windows 8 device. After installation, you can find Paint in your list of installed applications and use it to create, edit, and save images.


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