Patience, not force, is the key to breaking a paint bond cleanly. A sharp blow is likely to mess up the paint job. Instead, use a utility knife to score the joints between the sash and the vertical channels it rides in. Also score the horizontal joints between the sash, the sill (outside), and the stool (inside).
Free up the upper sash, the exterior top stop, and the interior top stile with a flat bar set over a wood block fulcrum.

Safety
Patience and care are critical or you can damage the window or injure yourself. Always wear gloves and eye protection when there’s a risk of glass breakage.

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