Microsoft teases an updated Paint app for Windows 11

Microsoft has slowly begun rolling out a bunch of app updates to in-box apps such as Snipping Tool, Calculator, and more, as part of a refresh of these apps. These don’t represent just visual updates, as the firm is adding new functionality. In the case of Snipping Tool, the company is unifying the app into a single offering. Another app that the company’s Chief Product Officer, Panos Panay, teased earlier this month includes the new Alarms and Clock app that sports ‘Focus Sessions’ and Spotify integration.

Today, Panay has posted another teaser video on Twitter, showing off a refresh heading to Paint, a much-loved offering that has had its place in Windows for years. The teaser shows off an updated UI with modern icons, rounded corners, and support for light and dark themes. Theming options, especially, seem to be a focus across in-box apps, with even the Calculator now sporting that feature. There also seem to be easier ways to choose the font style and brush types, especially suited for users with a stylus.

The classic Paint app has seen a few rocky days, with the company formerly planning to replace the offering in favor of Paint 3D. However, earlier this year, Paint 3D was stopped being bundled with new installs of Insider builds, signaling the end of the firm’s focus on the app, and the 3D paradigm in Windows itself. Now, the revival of the popular classic offering might come as a welcome move by those who still rely on the simple yet functional tool.

Just like the other Windows 11 in-box apps, the updated Paint app might also be served via the Microsoft Store. In addition to Paint, the Redmond giant is also expected to revamp the Photos app with improvements, which it teased during its Windows 11 announcement. Since these app updates are being rolled out via the Store, they need not be tied to Windows 11 builds.