How to Run Old App in Compatability Mode in Windows 11

Though Windows is backward compatible for the most part and allow you to run older applications without any hiccups, if you are running a particularly old application or program, you have to run it in compatibility mode. This article shows you how.

For example, let’s say you have an application or game designed for Windows XP, which was released way back in 2001. i.e., almost two decades ago. To run that ancient application in your Windows 10 or 11 operating system, you have to use the compatibility mode feature.

Thankfully, running an application in compatibility mode is pretty easy in Windows 11. In this article, let me show you how to do it in simple steps.

Table of contents:

1. What is compatibility mode?
2. Steps to run an application in compatibility mode
3. Using compatibility troubleshooter

What is Compatibility Mode?

Compatibility Mode is a built-in feature of Windows that allows you to run older applications without needing to install older versions of Windows. When you run an application in compatibility mode, Windows creates a virtual environment that emulates the settings and configurations of an older version of Windows. This allows the program to run as if it were on its original operating system.

Steps to Run An Application in Compatibility Mode

To run an application or program in compatibility mode, follow the below steps:

1. Right-click on the application’s exe file.
2. Select the Properties option.
3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
4. Select the ‘Run this program in compatibility mode for‘ checkbox.
5. Select the preferred Windows version from the dropdown.
6. Click/tap on the Apply and Ok buttons.
7. Double-click on the exe file to run it in compatibility mode.

First of all, find the exe file of the application you want to run in compatibility mode. Next, right-click on the exe file and select the Properties option from the context menu.

In the Properties window, go to the Compatibility tab. This is where you can configure the application compatibility settings. Here, select the “Run this program in compatibility mode for” checkbox.

Next, select your preferred Windows version from the dropdown menu below the option. For example, if you want to run the application as if it is running in Windows XP, select Windows XP from the dropdown menu.

Note: If you only have the ‘Previous version of Windows’ option, select it.

Finally, click the Apply and Ok buttons to save changes. Double-click the exe file, and the application runs in compatibility mode.

Use Compatibility Troubleshooter

If you don’t know which Windows version to select when configuring the compatibility mode, you can use the compatibility troubleshooter. It acts as an automatic compatibility mode. Here’s how to do it.

1. Right-click on the application’s exe file.
2. Select the Properties option.
3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
4. Click the ‘Run Compatibility Troubleshooter‘ button.
5. Press the ‘Try recommended settings‘ option.
6. Click on the ‘Test the program‘ button.
7. Allow Windows to test and install the program.
8. Click Next once the test is complete.
9. When prompted, click on the ‘Yes, save these settings for this program‘ option.
10. Close the compatibility troubleshooter.

—

As you can see, it is rather easy to run an application in compatibility mode on Windows 11.

I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.

If you are stuck or need help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.