How to Run Old Programs on Windows 11 or 10?

No matter how recent a version of Windows you are using, you can still use the programs on your computer initially made for the older versions of Windows. It is why Windows is known to be backward compatible. You need to enable app compatibility mode on your Windows 11/10.

But sometimes, even in Windows compatibility mode, some programs may not work correctly. Thus Windows being backward compatible comes in handy when the program developers have not released the updated version of their programs.

If, in your case, you’re facing issues with older programs, you can try to run them in compatibility mode. Once you enable the compatibility mode, it should run in your Windows 11/10 without any issues.

This risewindows article will guide you on running an old program on Windows 11 or 10.

How to Enable the Compatibility Mode for Old Programs on Windows 11 or 10?

Step 1: Begin by Right-clicking on the program you want to run in compatibility mode, and in the context menu, choose Properties.

Step 2: Find the Compatibility tab in the Properties dialog.

Step 3: Check the option “Run this program in compatibility mode for” under the “Compatibility mode” section.

Step 4: In the drop-down menu, select an operating system on which your program was working before.

Step 5: Now, click Apply button.

Step 6: Next, click OK button.

Try running the program once you complete all the above steps. There should not arise an issue.

If you’re having trouble, select any other operating system, repeat the above steps, and try running the program. You can switch to Windows 8, 7, Vista, XP, 98, 95, etc.

Now, if any graphics-related issue arises while running the program, enable “Run in 640 x 480 screen resolution” and “Reduced color mode” and see if the problem is resolved.

If the program is still not working, find the Run compatibility troubleshooter button under the “Compatibility” tab.

A pop-up window will, in it, click on Try recommended settings.

Windows will fetch the correct settings after you complete all the steps. Now try to rerun your old program.

If you find errors about driver-related issues, you need to turn off the driver signature enforcement. After that, try to rerun the program.

That’s it. Your issue is solved in a few steps.

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