How to Change Compatibility Mode to Run Old Software in Win10

To run old software in Windows 10, you need to set the compatibility mode. Here’re the exact steps to change compatibility mode in Windows 10.

One of the best things about Windows is its backward compatibility with a wide range of software. There is no other OS in the market that offers as much backward compatibility as Windows 10. Even software designed in the Windows 95 era will work just fine in Windows 10. Though most software works just fine right outside the box, some older software may require you to change the compatibility mode. This is especially true for software designed using special components in older versions of Windows. To run those kinds of software, you need to first change the compatibility mode of that software.

For example, one of my favorite software, NetSpeedMonitor only runs in compatibility mode. If you don’t run it in compatibility mode, it just doesn’t work as it should and throws incompatibility errors. Once you change its compatibility mode settings, it works just fine.

So, if you are trying to run older software or if some software is throwing compatibility errors, you can try changing the compatibility settings. In this quick and simple guide, let me show you the steps to change compatibility mode in Windows 10.

Jump to:

• Change Compatibility Mode of a Program or Exe File
• Run Windows 10 Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

Change Compatibility Mode of a Program or Exe File

You can change the compatibility mode of a program directly from its EXE file properties. Here’s how.

1. First, locate the exe file of the program.
2. Next, right-click on the exe file.
3. Select “Properties” from the right-click options.
4. Go to the “Compatibility” tab.
5. Here, select the “Run this program in compatibility mode for” checkbox.
6. Now, select the operating system of your choice from the dropdown menu. In general, Windows 7 or Windows XP is a good option.
7. Click “Apply”.
8. Click “Ok” to save changes.
   

That is it. You’ve changed the compatibility settings for that specific program. Just double-click on the exe file and it will automatically run in compatibility mode.

Note: If you are trying to change compatibility settings of an MSI file, select the “Previous version of Windows” option from the drop-down menu in step 6.

Run Windows 10 Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

Windows 10 also has a program compatibility troubleshooter that scans the system and allows you to change the compatibility settings. Here’s how to use the program compatibility troubleshooter in Windows 10.

1. Open the Start menu. You can press the Start key to open it.
2. Search and open “Run programs made for previous versions of Windows” troubleshooter.
3. After opening the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter, click “Next” on the main screen.
4. The app will now scan the system for issues and incompatible programs and lists them.
5. Select the program of your choice and click “Next”.
   
6. If you can’t see the program of your choice, select “Not Listed”. You can then browse and select the exe file manually.
7. Now, select the “Try recommended settings” option.
   
8. Windows will now apply the compatibility settings. Click the “Test the program” button to see if it works.
9. If the program works. You can close the troubleshooter.
10. If it didn’t solve the problem, the troubleshooter will show additional options.
11. Follow the wizard to apply the compatibility settings as needed.
12. Once done, you can close the troubleshooter program.

That is all. It is that simple to run compatibility troubleshooter in Windows 10.

If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible. If you like this article, check out how to block software in Windows 10.