The MS Paint executable file in Windows 11 is located within a deeply nested, hidden, and protected folder.
Locating MS Paint in Windows 11
Microsoft has placed the MS Paint application within a protected directory to ensure the integrity of the operating system's default applications. This makes it difficult to accidentally delete or modify important files.
The File Path
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The specific path to the
mspaint.exefile is typically similar to this:
\\Program Files\\WindowsApps\\Microsoft.Paint_11.2208.6.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\\PaintApp\\mspaint.exeNote: The numerical parts of the folder name, such as
11.2208.6.0, may vary depending on the version of MS Paint and the updates installed on your system.
Why is it Hidden?
- The folder structure where MS Paint is stored is designed to protect system files from unauthorized access and modification.
- It is not generally intended for users to manually access these directories or files.
Accessing the MS Paint Application
- Search Bar: The easiest way to open MS Paint is by using the Windows search bar located on the taskbar. Simply type "Paint" and select the application from the search results.
- Start Menu: You can also find MS Paint in the Start Menu under the "All apps" section.
- Run Command: Press
Windows Key + R, typemspaint, and press Enter to launch the application.
Key Takeaways
- MS Paint’s executable,
mspaint.exe, is in a hidden system folder. - It’s not recommended to manually navigate to this location to launch the application; instead, use the standard methods (search, start menu, or Run command).
- The exact path may differ slightly based on application version and system updates.
