Paint.NET is a free image and photo editor for Windows made by dotPDN LLC. It has effects and an undo history, supports pen tablets through Windows Ink and HDR or wide colour gamut displays, and can be extended with plugins shared on the Paint.NET forum that add effects and file types. It is a good choice for screenshots, simple photo fixes, memes and web graphics when you do not want the complexity or cost of a professional suite.
Free download or Microsoft Store?
The official download page offers version 5.1.12 (8 March 2026) two ways:
- Free: the classic download. It links to dotPDN’s download page, and the files are hosted on the project’s GitHub release. You get an installer, a portable version and MSI packages for deployment, for both x64 and ARM64.
- Paid: the Microsoft Store edition, listed at $14.99 in the US Store when we checked. According to the Paint.NET licence FAQ, the two are the same application except that the Store release updates itself fully automatically. Buying it is also a way to support the developer.
With winget, winget install dotPDN.PaintDotNet installs the free release from the GitHub files.
Licence: free for business use too
The licence page says Paint.NET is free to use in any environment, including personal, academic, commercial, government and non-profit use. It is freeware, not open-source software: the source code is not published. Donations are optional.
System requirements
- Windows 11, Windows 10 version 21H2 or newer, or Windows Server 2022.
- A 64-bit CPU (Intel/AMD x64 with AVX2, or ARM64) with at least 4 cores.
- A GPU with Direct3D 11 support.
- Optional: an HDR or wide colour gamut display, and a pen or tablet that supports Windows Ink.
Paint.NET runs on Microsoft .NET 9, which is bundled with the app, so you do not install .NET separately. Disk space depends on your images, because undo history is stored in temporary files.
Safety notes: getpaint.net, not paint.net lookalikes
Download portals sometimes wrap free Windows programs in their own installers. Use getpaint.net (or the paint.net address it now uses) or the Microsoft Store. The licence FAQ allows free mirroring of the classic release, but only official links guarantee an untouched file. Check the SHA-256 below with Get-FileHash.
Questions
Is there a Paint.NET for Mac or Linux?
No. Paint.NET is a Windows application; the requirements list only Windows and Windows Server.
Why does it need AVX2?
The current version lists an x64 CPU with AVX2, or an ARM64 CPU, as a requirement. Older PCs without AVX2 cannot run 5.1.12.
Where do I get plugins?
The download page points to the plugins section of the Paint.NET forum. Plugins add effects and support for more file types.
