Show Although, Windows 10 is not very different from previous versions regarding handling desktop applications, sometimes older apps designed for earlier versions (e.g., Windows XP or Windows 7) may not run as expected or they won't even start. However, in most cases, you can try to use the compatibility mode feature built into the operating system to resolve this issue. In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the easy steps to let the operating system automatically fix the compatibility issue and how you can set the compatibility mode options manually to get older apps running again on your desktop. Before diving into this guide, it's important that you take the time to check to see if there is any new update available for the application that might fix the problem and may save you from having to go through all the steps below. How to use the Program Compatibility TroubleshooterIf you have an application designed for Windows XP or Windows 7 that refuses to run on Windows 10, you should try running the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter utility to let the operating system automatically find the best possible compatibility mode.
How to change Compatibility mode options manuallyIf you want to change the compatibility settings manually, you can use the following instructions.
Note: Keep in mind that changes you configure on the Compatibility tab only applies to your account. If you want to apply the settings to all users in your computer, you must click the Change settings for all users button, and make the set the options in the "Compatibility for all users" tab. Once you apply the new settings try to run the desktop application, if it's still not working, go back to the Compatibility tab, and try configuring a different version of the operating system until you find a setting that works for that particular application. It's worth pointing out that you shouldn't apply compatibility mode settings to applications bundled with the operating system, hard drive utilities, and on antivirus and firewall software, as they may open up security risks or cause data loss. More on Windows 10For more tips and tricks on Windows 10, and get the latest news, you can visit the following resources:
Do you still depend on older desktop apps on Windows 10? Let us know in the comments below.
Get the best of Windows Central in in your inbox, every day! Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community. Will older programs run on Windows 11?Windows 11, like previous versions, includes a compatibility mode that lets you run old programs and games designed for an earlier version of Windows. So, if old software fails to load correctly on Windows 11, you can run them under compatibility mode on Windows 11.
How to run Windows XP programs on Windows 10?Right-click the program.. Click Properties.. Switch to the Compatibility tab.. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for.. Windows XP is no longer available from this dropdown, so select Windows Vista, the oldest operating system.. How to run Windows 95 software on Windows 10?You can set the Windows compatibility options yourself by pressing the Run this program in compatibility mode checkbox and selecting Windows 95 from the drop-down menu. You can also click to enable additional graphics options, including reduced color mode, run in 640×680 resolution, and disable fullscreen optimization.
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