Microsoft will remove its built-in 3D Viewer application from the Microsoft Store on July 1, 2026, marking the end of a tool introduced during Windows' creator-focused era.
Microsoft has officially deprecated its 3D Viewer application, with plans to remove it from the Microsoft Store on July 1, 2026. This marks another step in the company's ongoing cleanup of legacy applications following last year's deprecation of Paint 3D. While existing installations will continue functioning after removal, the app won't receive future updates or official support.
The 3D Viewer debuted in April 2017 as a core component of Windows 10's Creators Update (version 1703), representing Microsoft's ambitious push into mixed reality and 3D content creation. Designed as a lightweight tool for inspecting 3D models in formats like .glb, .gltf, .obj, and .stl, it enabled basic manipulation including rotation, scaling, and visualization of model wireframes. The app complemented Microsoft's broader creator ecosystem alongside Paint 3D and the now-defunct Remix 3D platform.
For users requiring 3D model viewing capabilities, Microsoft recommends transitioning to the web-based Babylon.js Sandbox. This alternative supports similar file formats while offering advanced rendering capabilities through WebGL technology. Enterprise users should note that while 3D Viewer remains operational for now, its lack of future security patches could present long-term compatibility risks, especially with upcoming Windows 11 updates.
This deprecation reflects Microsoft's strategic shift toward cloud-based tools and progressive web applications. The 3D Viewer's removal completes Microsoft's exit from its Windows 10-era 3D creation suite, following Paint 3D's deprecation in 2025. Users can locate existing installations via Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & features, where manual uninstallation is available if needed.
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