Paint.NET: Free Photo Editor for Windows, Official Download
Paint.NET 5.1.12 · for Windows
- Windows
The download link points to the program’s official source; the file is not hosted on this site. Link address: paint.net
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Paint.NET is a free image and photo editor for Windows from dotPDN LLC (Rick Brewster). The current version is 5.1.12; it needs Windows 10 21H2 or later or Windows 11 on a 64-bit PC, and includes its own .NET runtime.
Paint.NET started life as a better Microsoft Paint and grew into a capable image editor that many people use for screenshots, quick photo fixes and simple graphics. It opens fast, keeps its toolbars tidy and does not overwhelm newcomers.
Typical uses
- Cropping, resizing and rotating photos.
- Fixing brightness, contrast and colors.
- Combining images on layers and adding text.
- Applying effects such as blur, sharpen or artistic filters.
- Blurring out personal details on a screenshot before sharing it.
Two ways to get it
The developer offers Paint.NET for free on its own website. There is also a paid edition in the Microsoft Store, which installs and updates through the Store and helps fund development. The program itself is the same idea in both cases; the free website download is what the Download button points to.
Installing from the official site
- Press Download to open the download page on paint.net.
- Follow the link to the free download and run the installer.
- Open an image with File → Open or paste a screenshot straight in.
Will it run on my PC?
Paint.NET needs Windows 11, Windows 10 version 21H2 or newer, or Windows Server 2022. It requires a 64-bit processor (Intel or AMD x64 with AVX2, or ARM64) and a graphics card with Direct3D 11 support. The .NET 9 runtime it uses is bundled with the app, so you do not have to install it separately. Disk use grows with large images, because undo history is stored in temporary files.
Pros
- Quick to learn
- Free from the developer’s site
- Runtime bundled, nothing extra to install
Cons
- Windows only
- Newer CPU requirement (AVX2) rules out some older PCs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the free and Microsoft Store versions?
The free version comes from the developer’s website. The Microsoft Store edition is paid, updates through the Store and supports the developer.
Does Paint.NET run on a Mac or Linux?
No. Paint.NET is a Windows program; the developer lists only Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 as supported.
Paint.NETFree
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