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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →To change brush size in Microsoft Paint, select the Pencil, a brush, or the Eraser, then use the size slider beside the canvas if your Paint version includes it. Drag the slider to preview the size on the canvas. For smaller changes, Microsoft’s Paint shortcut table lists Ctrl+plus and Ctrl+minus to change width by one pixel.
Find and use Paint’s size slider
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Open Paint and select the Pencil, a brush, or the Eraser.
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If your version has the control, look for the size slider on the left side of the canvas.
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Drag the slider. Paint previews the selected size on the canvas as you move it; release when the size looks right.
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Microsoft described this interface in its March 13, 2024 Windows Insider announcement. The slider is useful when you want to judge a stroke visually before drawing.
Adjust width with the keyboard
Microsoft’s Paint keyboard-shortcut table lists these one-pixel adjustments:
Rank #2
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| Shortcut | Effect |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+plus | Increase brush, line, or shape-outline width by one pixel. |
| Ctrl+minus | Decrease brush, line, or shape-outline width by one pixel. |
The shortcuts offer incremental control without dragging a slider. The table does not identify a Paint version or explain how the plus key behaves across keyboard layouts, so the physical keys needed may vary.
If the slider is missing
The March 2024 announcement covered Paint version 11.2402.32.0 and described a staged rollout, initially to Canary and Dev channels, followed by Beta and Release Preview. Microsoft cautioned that the feature might not yet be available to every Insider in those channels. A later September 17, 2025 Insider announcement for version 11.2508.361.0 discusses both size and opacity sliders. These Insider announcements do not establish that every Paint installation has the same interface.
Rank #3
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Check the Paint version installed on your PC and the controls available in the app. If the slider is absent, use the documented keyboard shortcuts if they work with your keyboard, or continue with the size controls available in your version. Microsoft’s Windows Paint product page provides general product information, but does not establish slider availability for every installation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When Ctrl+plus does not work
A Windows 10 user asked about changing brush size without a keypad in a Microsoft Learn Q&A dated August 6, 2024. That report describes one user’s experience, not a universal restriction or confirmed product defect. Microsoft’s shortcut table does not specify numpad requirements or keyboard-layout behavior. If the shortcut fails, try the slider when available; the Q&A reply also suggests an AutoHotkey remapping, but that is an Independent Advisor suggestion, not an official Microsoft-supported workaround.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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