Back in February 2026, Microsoft announced the deprecation of its first-party 3D Viewer app. The company noted that while the app will continue to function for the time being, no new installs will be allowed after July 1, 2026. Now, that date has finally arrived, and it appears that Microsoft is staying true to its word.
As noted by @XenoPanther on X, Microsoft has removed the ability to download 3D Viewer from the Microsoft Store, although the app bundles still appear for download on Microsoft's servers.
The Microsoft Store removal isn't surprising at all since Microsoft had formally announced it a few months prior. It's worth noting that existing installations will continue to work for now, but no new installs will be allowed, which means that even if you delete the app and try to install it again, you'll be unsuccessful.
3D Viewer app is a relic from Windows 10 when Microsoft's ambitions revolved around enabling 3D experiences through VR/AR in Windows rather than AI capabilities. It used to be preinstalled in Windows 10, but once the Redmond tech firm realized that it was gaining absolutely no traction in this space, it began removing it from clean installs of the operating system. The app was never installed by default on Windows 11 from the get-go. Some of you may also remember Paint 3D, which suffered a similar fate.
If you're an active 3D Viewer user with the app installed, you have nothing to worry about for now. However, if you don't have the app installed on your PC, Microsoft recommends Babylon.js Sandbox. It is a web-based app where you can drag-and-drop a 3D model into your browser and preview it, see it under different light conditions, and more.
Have you used 3D Viewer, and do you still use it? Let us know in the comments section below!
3 Comments
Load the comments and join the conversation!
Read the comments, ask the editors questions, show respect and join the conversation.