SOFTWARE By Will Fastie Besides having a very interesting history, paint.net is a useful program. Paint.net has an unusual origin. It was written as a
[See the full post at: Software gems: Paint.net]

![]() |
There are isolated problems with current patches, but they are well-known and documented on this site. |
SIGN IN | Not a member? | REGISTER | PLUS MEMBERSHIP |
Home » Forums » Newsletter and Homepage topics » Software gems: Paint.net
From paint.net 4.3.7 is now available – paint.net blog (getpaint.net)
“NOTE for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and 32-bit/x86 users: Paint.NET v4.3.x will be the last release(s) that work on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or on any 32-bit/x86 version of Windows. It has become significantly more difficult and time consuming to support these lately, not very many people are using them, and I can no longer justify the cost and frustration of keeping support for these afloat. Starting with Paint.NET v4.4, only Windows 10 and 11+ will be supported, and only on 64-bit (x64 and ARM64). I have started working on v4.4 and will only release v4.3.x updates on an as-needed basis and only until v4.4 is completed.”
--Joe
Paint.NET v4.3.x will be the last release(s) that work on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or on any 32-bit/x86 version of Windows.
I remember, vividly, the transition from Windows’ 16-bit API to the 32-bit API. That change was inevitable and necessary; so is this one. Paint.net will surely not be alone in this regard.
At the risk of sounding like a dolt, it seems to me that Paint is an old standby that meets the standard as a mostly useful program & has been from the beginning.
Our office uses it a lot on a daily basis to create screenshots to edit & share various troubleshooting aspects of the business. So I’m confused that it could even be considered out of date or beyond support. Unless I’m confusing it with another similar program.
Regardless, in my personal computing at home it’s not necessary for me to have an updated version & I’ll use it as long as I can.
Win 8.1 (home & pro) Group B, Linux Dabbler
Paint and Paint.NET are different programs. Paint is a Microsoft product included with Windows and has hardly changed for a long time. It is getting a facelift with Windows 11. Not added functionality just a UI update.
Paint.NET is an independent effort started originally as a college project. It has many, many more features and capabilities than Paint. It is a much more powerful graphics program than Paint. It has been regularly enhanced and released through its existence. There is also a gallery of plugins to further enhance the program.
--Joe
I had that experience before. Photoshop is excellent for photo editing but I could not do the effects I want when painting . later on I discovered Krita as the right software. It’s a very good free Painting Program. and It is compatible and works well with my xppen drawing pad.
Highly recommended!
Donations from Plus members keep this site going. You can identify the people who support AskWoody by the Plus badge on their avatars.
AskWoody Plus members not only get access to all of the contents of this site -- including Susan Bradley's frequently updated Patch Watch listing -- they also receive weekly AskWoody Plus Newsletters (formerly Windows Secrets Newsletter) and AskWoody Plus Alerts, emails when there are important breaking developments.
Welcome to our unique respite from the madness.
It's easy to post questions about Windows 11, Windows 10, Win8.1, Win7, Surface, Office, or browse through our Forums. Post anonymously or register for greater privileges. Keep it civil, please: Decorous Lounge rules strictly enforced. Questions? Contact Customer Support.
Want to Advertise in the free newsletter? How about a gift subscription in honor of a birthday? Send an email to sb@askwoody.com to ask how.
Mastodon profile for DefConPatch
Mastodon profile for AskWoody
Home • About • FAQ • Posts & Privacy • Forums • My Account
Register • Free Newsletter • Plus Membership • Gift Certificates • MS-DEFCON Alerts
Copyright ©2004-2023 by AskWoody Tech LLC. All Rights Reserved.