Microsoft has preserved the old-aged MS Paint with the introduction of Paint 3D. However, even today, a few old-school people still use MS Paint as their go-to paint tool for small jobs.

Given how MS Paint is getting quite old now, it's not uncommon to encounter the occasional MS Paint bug. If your paint tool freezes, crashes, and generally doesn't work as it should, you need to check it thoroughly.

As such, we've listed six fixes that can get MS Paint up and running again.

1. Run MS Paint as an Administrator

Running MS Paint as an administrator is the first step to resolving any MS Paint-related problems. Some system files restrict Windows programs from functioning properly. As such, running the file as an administrator enables it to access files that would usually be restricted.

Special access can be dangerous at times, especially when given to third-party tools. However, since MS Paint is an integrated tool, giving it administrator access shouldn't pose any threat.

Go to the Windows search box and type "Paint" but don't hit Enter just yet. To run MS Paint as an administrator, right-click on the Paint app and choose Run as administrator.

Running Paint 3D As Administrator In Windows

Now check if the Paint app has returned to normal. If not, implement the remaining fixes.

2. Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

You've probably never cleared Microsoft Store's cache before, Windows users. Either you don't know how to do it, or the process is more complicated than other apps and browsers. Having piles of cached data on your system is likely to cause you problems. Therefore, let's clear its cache before implementing any other fix.

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To clear Microsoft Store's cache, open the Run command by pressing Win + R. Then, type WSReset.exe and hit OK. You will see an empty command prompt window.

Clearing Microsoft Store Cache With Run Command In Windows

Although you may see it doing nothing for more than fifteen seconds, it will clear the store cache in the background. It will automatically close within half a minute, and the Microsoft Store will automatically open, confirming the command prompt processing is complete.

This process may clear Microsoft Store's cache and restore its normal functionality. If not, you may need to clear the cache from the system as well to get Microsoft Store apps back on track.

For that, type "Command Prompt" in the Windows search box and open the Command Prompt app. Type whoami/user and hit Enter. Make a copy of the letters and numbers below SID and save them to your computer.

Copying SID Details In Command Prompt In Windows

Next, open the Registry Editor by typing Regedit in the Run command in Windows. Here, navigate to the following path:

        Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore
    

Locate the registry key that is similar to the one under SID in the command prompt. Click on the folder named with the same key and delete it. You should ensure the folder you are deleting is similar to SID to avoid adding more problems to your bucket.

Deleting Cache Folder In Registry Editor In Windows

3. Delete Any New Fonts You've Installed

There are many pitfalls associated with downloading fonts from unknown sources. Third-party fonts can interfere with some apps directly and indirectly. Therefore, if you have recently installed new fonts in your system, consider deleting them, especially if they are not from trusted sources.

You can access and delete newly installed fonts in Windows here:

  1. Go to the Windows Settings app.
  2. Navigate to Personalization settings.
  3. On the left-sidebar, go to Fonts.
  4. Click on the font you want to delete.
  5. Tap on Uninstall.
    Uninstalling Fonts In Windows Settings App

For all other newly installed fonts, repeat the same steps one by one. Make sure the fonts left behind are from trusted sources. You can confirm that by checking the font designer details, its copyright and legal trademarks details, and its license description.

4. Run the App Store Troubleshooting Tool

Windows provides users with automatic troubleshooting options. Whatever problem you are facing, Windows will have some troubleshooter to find and fix it. Before trying less pleasant fixes such as resetting the OS, run the troubleshooter for Windows App Store once.

To do that, head over to the Windows search bar and type "Find and fix problems with Windows Store Apps." By clicking the folder with the same name in the search results, you'll open the app store troubleshooting window.

As soon as you click Next, the troubleshooter will begin detecting problems, and when the process ends, it will identify and fix any internal issues with the App Store.

Running Troubleshooter For Windows Store Apps In Windows

Continue with the following fix if the troubleshooter does not solve your Paint problems.

5. Run a Microsoft Security Scan

Possibly, malware has infiltrated your computer and interfered with Windows apps and features. Malware of this type can also impair Paint's functionality. Although there are hundreds of tools to scan your system for viruses, we recommend Microsoft Safety Scanner.

It can be used to find hidden viruses and threats and undo any harm they have done. The Microsoft Official Website recommends you download the latest version of scan every time you scan your PC.

Download the scanner that is compatible with your system from the Microsoft Official Website. It offers three different types of scans, so choose the one that fits your needs.

Choosing Quick Scan From Different Scan Options In Microsoft Safety Scanner In Windows

The tool will scan all files and inform you of the number of infected files. You can remove them later to keep your system running smoothly.

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Find out more about what else the scanner can do for you on the official Microsoft blog.

6. Update Paint in the Microsoft Store

Finally, if nothing else has worked, you can update the apps in the Microsoft Store to make sure MS Paint is up to date. You can do this by visiting Microsoft Store and clicking on the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner. Click on Download and updates and hit Get updates. MS Paint will automatically be updated if a new update is available.

Getting App Updates In Microsoft Store In Windows

Get MS Paint Back to Life

The fixes in the list will hopefully help you get your paint tool back to life. If nothing seems to work, you can update your operating system or reset it as a last resort. If that doesn't work, you'll have no choice but to switch to any other paint or image editing app.

Are you an avid Windows user? If so, try out Paint 3D, the new version of MS Paint. It offers more features, is more advanced, and is constantly updated. If you haven't tried it yet, you should.