Microsoft may have long deprecated Windows 7 in favor of Windows 10, but many users, especially organizations and institutions, run their own applications written for older versions of Windows and not always fully functional on the latest operating system. However, they can be run on Windows 10 using the so-called ‘compatibility mode’. In this article, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista etc. We will show you how to run any App on Windows 10 using compatibility mode for
Run Legacy Apps in Windows 10 Using Compatibility Mode
Most apps, programs, games, and utilities written for previous versions of Windows work just fine on Windows 10. But some may work poorly or not at all. This is exactly where compatibility mode comes into play. So, if you are having problems running old programs on your Windows 10 PC, check out the tutorial below to run these apps in compatibility mode for Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista and more.
Method 1: Using the Compatibility Wizard
- To run an application in compatibility mode for an older version of Windows, go to the application’s installation folder (or shortcut) and right-click on the main executable [1]. choose now Troubleshooting Compatibility [2] To run the Windows compatibility troubleshooter.
- In the compatibility wizard, Try Recommended Settings.
- On the next screen, press the button that says Test the Program [1]. Windows will first try to open the program in compatibility mode for Windows 8. Next [2] regardless of whether the program works as expected.
- Choose option 1 or 2, depending on whether the application works as expected in Windows 8 compatibility mode.
If you choose option 1, Windows will save the settings and open the application in compatibility mode for that particular version of Windows in the future. If you choose option 2, Windows will continue trying to open the program in Windows 7 mode, then Vista, until it works as expected.
Method 2: Manually Selecting the Compatible Windows Version
Advanced users who know exactly which version of Windows they are looking for compatibility for can try to adjust it manually via its settings. Features > Compatibility > Compatibility Mode. Here’s how to do this:
- Right-click on the main executable (or desktop shortcut) of the target program and Properties.
- In the Properties window of your target application, compatibility tab.
- Now select the checkbox next to Run this program in compatibility mode [1]. Later on Drop down menu [2] To select the version of Windows that you believe will make the application work properly. be sure to click OK [3] To save your settings and exit
Use Compatibility Mode in Windows 10 to Run Any Legacy Program or App
The methods described above will help you run almost any application in Windows 10 in compatibility mode for Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista and more. If they do not, a virtual machine with a version of Windows compatible with the program. For that, check out the best virtualization software for Windows computers. If you’re new to VMs, learn how to create a virtual machine on your Windows 10 computer. By the way, if you also use apps and websites written for older browsers, check out how you can enable IE mode in Edge Chromium.
