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Microsoft Decides to Stop Installing 3D Viewer and Paint 3D With Windows 10

Two apps you've probably never used will become optional installs in the future.

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

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Microsoft installs a number of apps by default with a fresh copy of Windows 10, many of which you'll probably never use. Thankfully, two such apps are set to disappear from that list.

As the Windows Blog confirms, the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview Build (21332) removes 3D Viewer and Paint 3D from the default app install list. Both apps "will no longer be preinstalled on clean installs of the latest Insider Preview builds. " Eventually, that should also mean the final builds we all download as part of the Windows Update process, too. However, if you do use either or both apps, don't worry. Microsoft says they will remain available for download from the Store and will remain on your PC until a fresh install is carried out.

Microsoft also confirmed that Build 21332 includes a new option to paste as plain text from the clipboard history, and theme-aware splash screens have been re-enabled. One further removal comes in the form of the Math Input Panel, which apparently nobody is using so Microsoft is getting rid of it. The "useful" tool allowed you to enter mathematical formulas by writing them out, either with the mouse, touchscreen devices, or a drawing tablet of some form.

If you'd like to play around with this latest build, then sign up to the Windows Insider Program and gain access to these pre-release versions of the operating system.

About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

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