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Windows 11 .Paint Error "Files Not in the Correct Format"

Rebecca G 25 Reputation points
2025-11-18T22:10:27.8333333+00:00

I just discovered how great Microsoft Paint is in Windows 11. Primarily it has LAYERS!!! Thank you Microsoft!!! However I ran into a super strange problem in the last few days.

I have been creating project files with multiple layers and saving as Project. when I go back to work on the project again I go to open the .paint file I get the below error message.

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The crazy part is if I send it to a other people with the same exact laptop as me they can open it.

Here is what I tried:

1- Uninstalled Microsoft Paint and then Redownloaded and reinstall a clean version

2- Repaired Microsoft Paint

3- Rest Microsoft Paint

5- Ran sfc /scannow

6- Uninstalling Windows Security Update (Since that was the only update since the Paint stoped working correctly.)

I feel like I am running out of solutions... Any ideas?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Apps
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  1. Rebecca G 25 Reputation points
    2025-11-20T21:10:57.3366667+00:00

    So I reached out to Microsoft and had a long conversation with them. They are aware of the issue and advise "us" to hang in there... this is a worldwide issue and they are working on an update they are "planning" to released next week.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  2. Mee Maw 5 Reputation points
    2025-11-20T08:05:42.25+00:00

    I have the same problem, extremely frustrating. I tried everything, all i could do was to salvage the thumbnails of my unfinished projects, hours of work just down the toilet. And microsoft is so frustrating to work with it's genuinely maddening.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  3. Arlene D 36,045 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-19T22:03:27.76+00:00

    Thanks for testing that. Since the files still won’t open on your PC, even with another profile, the issue is likely at the system level. Have you tried running the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter?

    Microsoft’s supported steps are to make sure Windows 11 is fully updated, reset Paint via Settings> Apps> Installed apps> Paint> Advanced options> Reset, and run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter under Settings> System> Troubleshoot> Other troubleshooters. If the files still won’t open after these steps, I recommend contacting support for further investigation. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  4. Arlene D 36,045 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-19T21:35:32.82+00:00

    Thanks for the update. Have you tried opening a .paint file after signing in with a new Windows user account on your PC, not your main profile?

    Since the files open on another identical computer, Microsoft guidance points to a profile level issue on your device. A new local account is a clean test. If the file opens there, your main profile data or app cache is damaged. In that case, use Settings, Apps, Installed apps, Paint, Advanced options, then Reset. After that, try saving and reopening a new .paint file stored on a simple local path like C:\PaintTests.

  5. Arlene D 36,045 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-18T23:44:14.24+00:00

    Hi Rebecca, it sounds frustrating. Are you opening the .paint file from your local drive or a cloud location like OneDrive?

    Microsoft officially supports .paint files only in the version of Paint that created them, and if the file opens on other laptops, the issue may be with your Windows profile or app settings. Make sure Windows 11 is fully updated, check that your account has full access to the file, and try opening it from a new Windows user account. Also keep Paint updated from the Microsoft Store.

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