Microsoft continues its journey of innovation and refinement within the Windows ecosystem, actively testing and introducing new features while simultaneously phasing out elements deemed obsolete. The latest casualty in this ongoing evolution is Paint 3D, which the company has announced will soon be retired, joining the ranks of deprecated Windows features.
Control Panel’s Imminent Departure
Paint 3D is not alone in its impending exit; the Windows Control Panel has long been on Microsoft’s radar for deprecation. The desire to replace this traditional feature has been evident for years, with initial whispers dating back to 2011. At that time, a leaked screenshot of Windows 8 hinted at a shift towards a more touch-friendly interface dubbed “PC settings.” Despite these intentions, the Control Panel has remained a fixture in the Windows landscape.
Fast forward to 2015, when speculation intensified as a senior Microsoft official indicated that “Settings will eventually supersede Control Panel.” Yet, the Control Panel persisted, as many settings had yet to transition to the newer interface.
It wasn’t until recently that Microsoft formally acknowledged this shift on its official support page. The company stated that the Control Panel is “in the process of being deprecated in favor of the Settings app,” emphasizing the latter’s modern and streamlined user experience.
In its communication, Microsoft also addressed the lingering presence of the Control Panel, citing compatibility reasons for its continued existence. The company encourages users to embrace the Settings app whenever possible, noting:
The Control Panel is in the process of being deprecated in favor of the Settings app, which offers a more modern and streamlined experience. Tip: while the Control Panel still exists for compatibility reasons and to provide access to some settings that have not yet migrated, you’re encouraged to use the Settings app, whenever possible.
For those intrigued by the history of Windows, it’s worth noting that the Control Panel made its debut in 1985 with Windows 1.0. For a deeper dive into the early days of Windows, readers can explore our retrospective piece published last year.
