3D Viewer is a Microsoft application that allows users to open, inspect, rotate, zoom, and interact with 3D models directly on a Windows computer. The app supports popular 3D file formats and provides tools for viewing animations, adjusting lighting, examining model details, and even using mixed reality features on supported devices.
Unlike Windows 10, Windows 11 does not include 3D Viewer as a preinstalled application. If you recently upgraded to Windows 11 or purchased a new PC, you may notice that the app is missing from the Start menu. Fortunately, Microsoft still allows Windows 11 users to install and use 3D Viewer through the Microsoft Store. However, Microsoft has announced that 3D Viewer is now deprecated and will eventually be removed from the Microsoft Store, making it a good idea to install it while it remains available.
This guide explains several methods to enable and use 3D Viewer in Windows 11.
What Is 3D Viewer?
3D Viewer is a free Microsoft application designed for viewing and interacting with 3D objects and models.
The app allows you to:
- Open 3D model files
- Rotate and zoom 3D objects
- View animations
- Adjust lighting effects
- Inspect model information
- View common 3D file formats such as STL, OBJ, GLB, and 3MF
Windows 11 does not install the app by default, but it can still be downloaded separately.
Method 1: Install 3D Viewer From Microsoft Store
This is the easiest and recommended method.
Steps
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Click the search box.
- Type 3D Viewer.
- Select the official 3D Viewer app published by Microsoft.
- Click Install or Get.
- Wait for the installation to complete.
- Open the Start menu.
- Search for 3D Viewer and launch it.
Microsoft continues to offer the app through the Store, although it has been marked as deprecated.
Official Store page:
Method 2: Reinstall 3D Viewer If It Was Removed
If 3D Viewer was previously installed but later removed, you can reinstall it.
Steps
- Open Microsoft Store.
- Search for 3D Viewer.
- Open the official Microsoft listing.
- Click Install.
- Wait for the download to finish.
- Launch the app from the Start menu.
This method works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems.
Method 3: Register 3D Viewer Using PowerShell
If the app files still exist on your system but the application is not working correctly, you can attempt to re-register it.
Steps
- Open Start.
- Search for PowerShell.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Enter the following command:
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "& {$manifest = (Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft3DViewer*).InstallLocation + '\AppxManifest.xml' ; Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $manifest}"- Press Enter.
- Restart your computer.
This method can restore a damaged or unregistered installation.
Method 4: Update Windows 11
Sometimes missing Microsoft applications become available after updating Windows.
Steps
- Open Settings.
- Click Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- Install all available updates.
- Restart your computer.
- Check Microsoft Store again for 3D Viewer.
Keeping Windows updated ensures compatibility with Microsoft Store applications.
How To Open A 3D Model In 3D Viewer
After installing the application:
- Launch 3D Viewer.
- Click Open.
- Browse to your 3D model file.
- Select the file.
- Click Open.
You can then:
- Rotate the model
- Zoom in and out
- Change viewing angles
- Adjust lighting
- Play animations if supported
Supported File Formats
3D Viewer supports several common 3D file formats, including:
- OBJ
- STL
- GLB
- glTF
- 3MF
Microsoft recommends GLB and glTF formats for the best compatibility. Support for FBX files has been restricted due to security concerns.
Why Is 3D Viewer Missing In Windows 11?
Microsoft removed several apps that were bundled with Windows 10, including 3D Viewer.
Unlike Windows 10, Windows 11 does not install 3D Viewer automatically. Instead, users must download it separately from the Microsoft Store.
Important Note About 3D Viewer
Microsoft officially deprecated 3D Viewer in 2026 and announced plans to remove it from the Microsoft Store after July 1, 2026. Existing installations will continue to function, but the application will no longer receive updates.
If you need the app, installing it sooner rather than later is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Windows 11 include 3D Viewer by default?
No. Windows 11 does not come with 3D Viewer preinstalled. It must be downloaded separately from the Microsoft Store.
Is 3D Viewer free?
Yes. Microsoft provides 3D Viewer as a free application.
Can I use 3D Viewer on Windows 11?
Yes. The application works on Windows 11 after installation from the Microsoft Store.
Why can’t I find 3D Viewer in the Start menu?
Windows 11 does not install it automatically. You need to download and install it manually from Microsoft Store.
Is Microsoft discontinuing 3D Viewer?
Yes. Microsoft has marked 3D Viewer as deprecated and plans to remove it from the Microsoft Store. Existing installations should continue to work for some time after removal.
Final Thoughts
Although Windows 11 no longer includes 3D Viewer as a built-in application, enabling it is straightforward. The simplest method is to install the official Microsoft 3D Viewer app from the Microsoft Store. Once installed, you can open, inspect, and interact with various 3D models directly from your PC.
If the app was previously removed or becomes corrupted, reinstalling it through the Microsoft Store or re-registering it with PowerShell can often resolve the issue. Because Microsoft has announced plans to discontinue and remove 3D Viewer from the Store, users who rely on the application should consider installing it while it remains available. With the app enabled, Windows 11 can still serve as a capable platform for viewing and working with 3D content.
