7 Ways to Fix “Can’t Open That File” Error in Paint 3D

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In This Guide

Fix It Now: How to Resolve the “Can’t Open That File” Error in Paint 3D?

What Causes the “Can’t Open That File” Error in Paint 3D?

How to Fix the “Can’t Open That File” Error in Paint 3D? [4 Beginner-Friendly Ways]

Method 1: Update Your Windows OS

Method 2: Run the Store App Troubleshooter

Method 3: Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

Method 4: Update Paint 3D

How Do You Fix the Error “Can’t Open That File” in Paint 3D? [3 Advanced Methods]

Method 1: Reset Paint 3D

Method 2: Reinstall Paint 3D

Method 3: Run SFC and DISM Commands

Last Words

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Microsoft Paint 3D is a very handy tool in Windows that allows you to create and edit 3D designs. It is basically a refreshed version of the OG MS Paint that is quite popular among regular and professional users of Windows 10 and Windows 11.

However, just like any other program, MS Paint 3D also has a number of problems that users may encounter when using the app, like Paint 3D not working in Windows.

Another common error occurs when trying to open the last project in Paint 3D, you may encounter an error with the message “Can’t open that file: Something went wrong”.

So how to fix the “Can’t open that file” error in Paint 3D? What causes it? Continue reading to find out what causes it, along with detailed instructions on how to fix Paint 3D not working.

Fix It Now: How to Resolve the “Can’t Open That File” Error in Paint 3D?

• Update Windows: Updating your Windows installs bug fixes and some much-needed improvements.
• Run the Store App Troubleshooter: The Store App Troubleshooter finds and fixes any underlying issues in the Microsoft Store apps.
• Update Paint 3D: Updating the Paint 3D app can fix any underlying issues in the app.
• Reinstall the App: If you’ve tried all the fixes and the issue still persists, try to reinstall the app.

For detailed instructions on how to apply these & even more fixes step-by-step, read on.

What Causes the “Can’t Open That File” Error in Paint 3D?

If you are trying to open a file in Paint 3D that you were last working on, and you get an error message saying “Can’t open that file: Something went wrong”, you may be wondering what the culprit is. 

This error usually occurs when the app unexpectedly crashes. There are many reasons why you may encounter this error. 

These include:

• A bug in the application
• Outdated application
• Outdated Windows
• Corrupted files

Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can fix this error. Below, we have divided them into beginner-friendly and advanced fixes.

How to Fix the “Can’t Open That File” Error in Paint 3D?
[4 Beginner-Friendly Ways]

Some quick and easy ways to fix the “Can’t open that file” error in Paint 3D include:

Method 1: Update Your Windows OS

Keeping your Windows updated fixes many bugs and compatibility problems and also improves the overall performance. 

Here’s how to update your Windows: 

• In ‘Windows Search’, type and enter “Updates”. 
• Check if there are any available updates in the resulting Window. If there are, click on “Download & install all”.

• If no updates are available, select the “Check for updates” option.

• Also install any “optional updates”, if available. 

• Once your Windows is updated, restart your PC.

If you experience issues updating your Windows and get the error ‘update is being prepared but it’s not ready’: see this tutorial.

Method 2: Run the Store App Troubleshooter

The Store App Troubleshooter is a built-in tool that helps you find and fix any underlying issues in the Microsoft Store apps, including Paint 3D. 

Here’s how to run the Store App Troubleshooter:

• In ‘Windows Search’, type and enter “Troubleshoot”.

• Select Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Scroll down and click on “Windows Store apps”.
• Select “Run” / “Run the troubleshooter”.

• Wait until your Windows is updated.

Method 3: Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

Sometimes, the “Can’t open that file” error in Paint 3D can be resolved by clearing your Microsoft Store cache. 

Here’s how to do it:

• Press the ‘Win + R’ keys to open “Run”. 
• In the Run dialog box, type and enter “wsreset.exe”.
• Hit ‘OK’.

• A “Command Prompt” window will open up. Don’t do anything and wait for the window to close itself.

Once it closes, the Microsoft Store with a cleared cache will launch automatically.

Method 4: Update Paint 3D

You can also try updating the Paint 3D app to fix any bugs in the app and improve its function.

To do so:

• Open the “Microsoft Store” on your PC.
• Go to “Library”.

• Select “Get Updates” > “Update all”.

• Wait until all the apps, including Paint 3D, are updated. 
• Now check if you can open your desired file in Paint 3D.

How Do You Fix the Error “Can’t Open That File” in Paint 3D?
[3 Advanced Methods]

If you have tried the quick and easy fixes mentioned above and you still can’t open your desired file in Paint 3D, try the following more advanced solutions. 

Method 1: Reset Paint 3D

Sometimes, resetting the Paint 3D app can fix any underlying issues that may be affecting the app data.

Here’s how to reset Paint 3D:

• Right-click on ‘Start’ and go to “Apps & Features”/”Installed apps”.

• Now find “Paint 3D “in the list and click on the three dots.

• Select “Advanced options” and then scroll down to click on “Terminate”.
• Select “Repair”. 

• If repairing it doesn’t fix the issue, select “Reset”.

• Once done, restart your PC.

Method 2: Reinstall Paint 3D

If resetting the app does not resolve the issue, you can try reinstalling Paint 3D:

• Right-click on ‘Start’ and go to “Apps & Features”/”Installed apps”.

• Now find “Paint 3D” in the list and click on the three dots.
• Now select “Uninstall” and confirm any prompts to finish the uninstallation.

• Once it has been uninstalled, reinstall “Paint 3D” from the “Microsoft Store”.

Method 3: Run SFC and DISM Commands

Sometimes, an issue within your operating system (OS) may cause the “Can’t open that file” error in Paint 3D. You can use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to fix the issues.

Here’s how:

• On your PC, go to “Windows Search” and enter “cmd”.
• Now click on “Command Prompt” and then select “Run as administrator”.

• When asked to allow changes, click on ‘Yes’ and then enter the following command:
  sfc /scannow

• Once the scan is finished, type the following commands and press ‘Enter’ one by one:
  dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth
dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

• Finally, restart your device.

Last Words

Not being able to access a file that you’ve recently worked on in Paint 3D can be quite frustrating.
But with the help of our 7 beginner-friendly and advanced ways to resolve the “Can’t open that file” error in Paint 3D, you can most likely regain access to your desired files.

But if none of these fixes work, you may have to say goodbye to your files, unfortunately or try use the auto-fix software offered below to correct the issue.