3 Ways to Run Old Programs in Compatibility Mode on Windows 11

Quick Tips

• Windows 11, like previous versions, includes a compatibility mode that allows you to run old programs and games designed for an earlier version of Windows.
• You can easily run a program in compatibility mode by modifying its shortcut properties.
• You can also use the Windows troubleshooter and Command Prompt to run programs in compatibility mode.

Method 1: Modify Program Properties

You can configure a program to run in compatibility mode by modifying its properties. Here’s what you must do.

Step 1: Press Windows + E keys to open File Explorer and navigate to the program you wish to run in compatibility mode.

Step 2: Right-click on the program or app’s executable file and select Properties.

Step 3: Switch to the Compatibility tab and tick the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for.

Step 4: Use the drop-down menu to select the right Windows version from the list. Optionally, if your program isn’t rendering properly on your PC, change DPI settings, screen resolution, and other settings.

Step 5: After making the preferred changes, click Apply, followed by OK.

Double-click the program file, and Windows will run it with the specified compatibility settings.

Method 2: Run Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

If you don’t know which version of Windows is necessary to run the program correctly, use the Program Compatibility troubleshooter. This will allow Windows 11 to choose the appropriate compatibility settings for the software. Here’s how.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and head to System > Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Go to Other troubleshooters.

Step 3: Scroll down and click the Run button for Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.

Step 4: The tool will show a list of programs. Select your old program and click Next.

Step 5: If you can’t find your program on the list, select Not listed to add your program manually.

Step 6: The tool will automatically suggest a few compatibility settings for your program. Click Try recommended settings to continue.

Step 7: Click Test the program to launch your program in compatibility mode.

Step 8: After testing the program, click Next.

Step 9: If the program runs without a problem, click Yes, save these settings for this program. If the program fails to load correctly, select No, try again using different settings.

Step 10: Select the problem you’re facing and click on Next.

Step 11: Windows will recommend different compatibility settings based on the problems you’re facing and ask you to test the program again.

Method 3: Use Command Prompt

You can also run an app or program in compatibility mode by executing a single command. To achieve this, you must know the file path of your program.

Step 1: Press Windows + E keys to open the File Explorer and navigate to the program you wish to run in compatibility mode.

Step 2: Right-click on the program file and select Copy as path.

Step 3: Right-click on the Start icon and select Terminal (Admin) from the list.

Step 4: In the Command Prompt window, run the following command:

reg.exe Add "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Layers" /v "FilePath" /d "ValueData"

Replace FilePath in the above command with the actual path of the program copied in Step 2. Replace ValueData with the value associated with the Windows version. Here are the values for different Windows versions:

• Windows 8: WIN8RTM
• Windows 7: WIN7RTM
• Windows Vista SP2: VISTASP2
• Windows Vista SP1: VISTASP1
• Windows Vista: VISTARTM
• Windows XP SP3: WINXPSP3
• Windows XP SP2: WINXPSP2
• Windows 98: WIN98

So, for instance, if you want to run an old game in a Windows 7 environment, enter the following command and press Enter:

reg.exe Add "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Layers" /v "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\FIFA12\FIFA12.lnk" /d "WIN7RTM"

After you run the command, Windows will change the default compatibility settings for your program, and you can run it without any problems.