Why QAT has been removed from Paint.exe in Windows 11? How is this more productive or more user-friendly when the users are forced to do more clicks and to work slower with Paint.exe in Windows 11 compared to the previous versions?

Question

Why QAT has been removed from Paint.exe in Windows 11? How is this more productive or more user-friendly when the users are forced to do more clicks and to work slower with Paint.exe in Windows 11 compared to the previous versions?

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Moved from: Windows for business | Windows 365 Enterprise

Answer 1

Hi Plamen,

While Microsoft hasn't issued a single official statement specifically on the removal of the QAT from Paint, this change aligns with their broader design philosophy for Windows 11:

A "Simpler" Aesthetic: The core goal of the new Windows 11 design language is a cleaner, more minimal interface. This often involves reducing the number of visible controls and consolidating features into the main ribbon or menus to make the app less intimidating for casual users.

Centralizing the Ribbon: The new design focuses on having all available tools organized within the primary ribbon interface. Microsoft aims for a user experience where all tools, including new features like layers and background removal, are found in one place, even if it adds extra clicks for specific actions.

Targeting the Average User: Design decisions in widespread consumer software often cater to the most common denominator the average user who might only use Paint occasionally. For this audience, a simple, clean interface is perceived as more user-friendly than a customizable, powerful one.

 

What You Can do is:

While the change is currently implemented in the standard Windows 11 Paint app, Microsoft does listen to feedback:

Use the Feedback Hub: The most effective way to share your concerns directly with the development team is through the built-in Feedback Hub app on your Windows 11 PC. I encourage you to submit feedback detailing how this removal impacts your daily productivity.

 

It’s frustrating when the tools we rely on change, but voicing concerns through the proper channels is the best way to let Microsoft know that the QAT was a valued feature.