Like whatsoever other software, the Windows operating system keeps getting updated to new versions. And while the transitions maintain programme compatibility during directly upgrades, things get-go getting murkier across multiple versions.

Programs and games that worked perfectly on your Windows XP PC no longer even run on Windows 11, despite the hardware actually being more powerful. Some applications may launch but have visual issues, displaying weird colors or glitches.

Fortunately, you don't accept to downgrade your computer all the way dorsum to the Rock Age simply to play an old game on it. Thank you to a Windows feature called "compatibility mode", you can run that particular plan with older settings, matching the performance of a previous version of Windows. Let's observe out how.

What Is Compatibility Mode?

The reason old programs don't work in newer versions of Windows is that the underlying compages has changed. Mod operating systems manage the retentivity differently, return more colors, and might fifty-fifty have changed the I/O code.

To enable legacy software to run on these versions, Microsoft introduced Compatibility Mode. Using this, it is possible to mimic the environment provided past an older version of Windows, allowing older programs to function ordinarily.

Keep in heed, all the same, that this feature is not a perfect recreation of legacy versions, simply a close approximation. Information technology is certainly possible that you may not get some programs not working correctly even in compatibility mode, although such instances are rare.

Running a Program in Compatibility Mode in Windows xi/10

The compatibility manner characteristic is identical in both Windows 10 and 11. The only thing that differs in Windows 11 is the new expect of the right-click menu. Other than that, these instructions will allow you to employ compatibility fashion on the program of your pick in both versions of Windows.

  1. To enable compatibility mode for a plan, right-click on its executable and select Properties.
  1. In Windows 11, this drop-down menu will appear a bit different, but it notwithstanding has a Properties option that you lot tin can select.
  1. The backdrop window will open upwardly, displaying information virtually the plan, along with various other tabs with their own settings. Switch to the Compatibility tab.
  1. Now in this tab, y'all go two options. Yous can either Run the compatibility troubleshooter or fix the fashion manually. You lot will probably have to go with the manual road, but no harm in trying the troubleshooter first.

With the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

  1. Once the Programme Compatibility Troubleshooter opens upwards, you are again presented with two options. You can Endeavour recommended settings or Troubleshoot program. If the first option doesn't run the program correctly for you lot, select the second one to really diagnose the problems.
  1. The troubleshooter will now prompt you to select the problems yous are facing in running your awarding. Based on this data, Windows will select advisable compatibility settings for yous.
  1. You can examination the new settings before actually applying them to the plan with the Examination the program… push button. After exiting the application, select Next.
  1. If the program worked correctly, select Yeah, these settings for this program. Otherwise, yous tin select No, try again using different settings to attempt running the programme with other settings. Just striking Cancel if yous desire to close the troubleshooter without saving the settings.

Set Manually

  1. Setting the compatibility mode manually is actually less tedious than using the troubleshooter. Enable the Run this program in compatibility mode for checkbox and select the right operating arrangement from the list. If yous don't know which version of Windows tin run the program correctly, work your style astern from Windows eight all the mode downwards to Windows 95.
  1. That'due south just well-nigh information technology. You lot can enable things like the Reduced color mode or Alter high DPI settings if you are facing color or font issues. Apply later every change and examination the plan to run across what works.

Usually, yous will exist able to get any erstwhile program running with i of the compatibility modes. In case it still doesn't work, the consequence might lie in the lack of the correct DirectX version or a missing DLL.

Can Y'all Run Old Programs With Compatibility Mode in Windows eleven/10?

Both Windows 10 and 11 provide yous with the option to set a compatibility mode for each individual program. This style, y'all tin can run applications that were meant for older versions of Windows, only past selecting the correct fashion from a list.

Compatibility mode can also be used to use legacy colour options or lower the DPI settings, in case y'all can run the program but are getting visual artifacts. This is especially useful for playing former video games on a modern organization.

Very rarely, changing the compatibility fashion isn't enough to run an older program. This is because the characteristic isn't a perfect recreation of older operating systems, and some things like the drivers can withal exist unlike. When this happens, endeavor looking at the system requirements of the software in question and install any missing components before trying again.