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To run an old app in compatibility mode on Windows 11, open
Start
search for the app, right-click, and select
Open file location,
right-click the executable and choose
Properties,
and in the Compatibility tab, check
Run this program in compatibility mode
and select the mode (Windows 95, 98, XP, Vista, 7, or 8).
This post will show you how to use compatibility mode on Windows 11 to run older apps made for the prior operating system version.
A software made for an earlier version of Windows may occasionally not operate properly for a variety of reasons, even though you may install and use almost any application on Windows 11. Utilizing the compatibility mode function will help you resolve issues and get your old application operating if it isn’t compatible with Windows 11.
Compatibility mode is a feature that allows applications made for an earlier operating system version to run by simulating an older system environment. Typically, backward compatibility is considered when developing a newer version of Windows. However, the program might not function on Windows 11 or later versions if it was poorly developed or depended on particular parts or technologies.
This tutorial will show you how to use Windows 11’s compatibility mode to run an outdated program.
Run old programs on Windows 11 using compatibility mode
There are at least two methods to enable compatibility mode for an outdated program on Windows 11: manually and automatically.
Manual compatibility mode
Use these methods to set up an outdated application to operate on Windows 11:
Launch Windows 11.
Look for the old program, then right-click on the first result and choose “Open file location.”
Select the Properties option by right-clicking the executable application.
On the Compatibility tab, click.
Choose the compatibility mode, such as Windows 95, 98, XP, Vista, 7, or 8, by checking the Run this software in compatibility mode option in the Compatibility mode setting.
(Selective) Examine the Reduced Color Mode option and select between the 8- and 16-bit possibilities. A brief note: This feature should only be used if the issue is graphic-related.
(Optional) If the program was made for outdated technology displays, check the Run in 640 x 480 screen resolution option.
(Selective) Examine theIf the application doesn’t function with regular permissions, run it as an administrator.
Press the “Apply” button.
Press the “OK” button.
After following the instructions, the app ought to function normally without encountering any issues or crashes.
Automatic compatibility mode
Follow these instructions to utilize the compatibility troubleshooter to make an outdated program work with Windows 11:
LaunchStart.
Look for the old program, then right-click on the first result and choose “Open file location.”
Select the Properties option by right-clicking the executable application.
On the Compatibility tab, click.
To launch the compatibility troubleshooter, click the button.
Select the option to try the suggested settings.
Press the button labeled “Test the program.”
Verify if the outdated application functions properly on Windows 11.
To save these settings for this program option, click “Yes.” Or select “No,” and if the program is still not functioning properly, try again with a different settings choice.
Following the procedures, Windows 11 should allow the old program to function normally.
To enable compatibility mode, you can alternatively launch the troubleshooter from Settings>System>Troubleshoot>Other troubleshooters, click the Run button for the software Compatibility Troubleshooter option, choose the software, and proceed with the wizard.
Almost any application should be compatible with the operating system thanks to this functionality, although this isn’t always the case. Consider building a virtual machine with the necessary operating system version and then installing the outdated program for improved compatibility if you must continue using an application made for an outdated version of Windows.