How to Fix Paint Not Working on Windows 11

If Microsoft Paint isn’t working on Windows 11, you might notice it won’t open, crashes immediately, freezes while editing, or shows error messages. In most cases, this happens due to corrupted app data, missing updates, or system file issues—not hardware problems.

The good news is that Paint issues are usually easy to fix using built-in Windows repair tools.

Fix Paint Not Working on Windows 11

The fixes below focus on repairing the app, resetting corrupted data, and updating Windows components. Follow them in order and test Paint after each step.

1. Restart Your PC

Before trying advanced fixes, restart your computer.

1. Click Start > Power > Restart.
2. After rebooting, open Microsoft Paint again.

Temporary glitches are often resolved with a simple restart.

2. Repair the Paint App

Windows allows you to repair apps without deleting data.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Find Microsoft Paint.
4. Click the three-dot menu and select Advanced options.
5. Click Repair.

After repairing, try opening Paint again.

3. Reset the Paint App

If repairing doesn’t work, reset the app completely.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Click Microsoft Paint > Advanced options.
3. Click Reset.
4. Confirm the action.

Resetting removes app data but does not delete your image files.

4. Reinstall Microsoft Paint

If Paint is still not working, reinstall it.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Select Microsoft Paint.
3. Click Uninstall.
4. Open the Microsoft Store.
5. Search for Microsoft Paint.
6. Click Install.

Reinstallation refreshes all app components.

5. Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

If Paint was installed via Microsoft Store:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Find Windows Store Apps.
4. Click Run and follow the instructions.

This can automatically fix Store-related issues.

6. Run System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files may prevent Paint from launching.

1. Right-click Start and open Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Run: sfc /scannow
3. Wait for completion.
4. Restart your PC.

This repairs damaged Windows components.

7. Run DISM Tool

If SFC doesn’t resolve the issue:

1. Open Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Restart your PC.

DISM fixes deeper system image corruption.

8. Update Windows 11

Outdated system builds can cause app crashes.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Install available updates.
4. Restart your PC.

Updates from Microsoft often fix app stability issues.

9. Check for Graphics Driver Issues

Since Paint relies on display rendering:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters.
3. Right-click your graphics driver.
4. Select Update driver.

Outdated drivers can cause crashes or blank windows.

Wrapping Up

When Paint isn’t working on Windows 11, the cause is usually corrupted app data, outdated components, or minor system file issues—not serious hardware damage. Repairing or resetting the app resolves the issue in most cases.

Once fixed, Microsoft Windows should run Paint smoothly again, allowing you to create and edit images without interruptions.