Microsoft Paint Gains Modern UI Elements on Windows 11 for Insiders

Last Updated on December 3, 2021 by Anu Joy

Microsoft rolled out an update for Windows 11’s Paint app to match the style of its new design. However, the new update is only available for Windows Insiders in the dev channel.

Dave Grochoki, Principal Program Manager Lead of Windows Inbox Apps, announced that the look of “Edit Color” and “Resize and Skew” options were updated. These changes were made so that the look of the Paint app complements the Windows 11 aesthetic.  

With Paint 3D for Windows 10, it looked like Microsoft was ready to plan the demise of Paint. However, Paint is still alive and kicking. And it’s relieving to see updates for the beloved app.

Microsoft also made some additional fixes to the release. For instance, you can easily choose your secondary colour by holding Shift and clicking on your preferred colour swatch. It also fixed a bug wherein some dialogues were not properly localised in certain languages such as Hebrew, Norwegian, Dutch, and other languages.

When using IME (relevant for non-English language input methods), text boxes would move unexpectedly. The new update fixes this problem as well. Furthermore, it improves support for screen readers.

The Paint app hasn’t had much of a revamp since Windows 7, although it received some minor improvements in Windows 8. Back in August, Panos Panay, Chief Product Officer at Microsoft, offered a peek at the app redesigned for Windows 11. It revealed a significant UI overhaul with updated icons.

Even the menus sported a new look, wherein inserting a text box shows the text editing tools under a ribbon, instead of in a separate tab. The list of colours on the ribbon were in circles instead of the traditional squares.

However, one feature that Microsoft had teased in its preview is missing. The company does not appear to have added support for dark mode. Only time will tell if it plans to roll out support in future updates.

Microsoft had earlier released a new Media Player for Windows 11 for Windows Insiders in the dev channel. It aimed to replace the Groove music app. Other apps that underwent a Windows 11 makeover include the Mail, Calendar, and Calculator apps. Meanwhile, Skype also received a modern look.