Fixing Windows 10 compatibility issues.

Everyone will accept, today I want to tell you about how to run old programs in the top ten, namely about Windows 10 compatibility mode. Compatibility Mode Windows programs 10 allows you to run software on your computer that worked normally only in previous versions of Windows, but in the latest OS the program does not start or works with errors. This instruction on how to enable compatibility mode with Windows 8.1, 7, Vista or XP in Windows 10 to fix program startup errors is suitable for those who have old software whose developer has long stopped supporting and updating it..

By default, Windows 10 offers to automatically enable compatibility mode after program failures, but only in some of them and not always. Manually enabling compatibility mode, which previously (in previous OSes) was performed through the properties of the program or its shortcut, is now not available for all shortcuts and sometimes you need to use a special tool for this. Let's consider both methods.

Enabling compatibility mode through program or shortcut properties

And so you and I have everything, installed Windows 10 threshold 2, if you don’t have it, you can download it from the link on the left.

The first way to enable compatibility mode in Windows 10 is very simple - right-click on the shortcut or executable file of the program, select Properties and open, if found, the Compatibility tab.

All that remains to be done is to set the compatibility mode parameters: indicate the version of Windows in which the program ran without errors. If necessary, enable the program to run as an administrator or in a lower screen resolution and lower color mode (for very old programs). Then apply the settings you made. The next time the program will be launched with the parameters already changed.

How to enable backward compatibility mode in Windows 10 through troubleshooting

To run the Program Compatibility Mode setting, you will need to run a special troubleshooter Windows problems 10 > Executing programs intended for previous versions Windows.

This can be done either through the control panel item > Troubleshooting (the control panel can be opened by right-clicking on the Start button).

Or in the search you can enter > Execute programs created for previous versions.

This will launch the Windows 10 Legacy Program Compatibility Troubleshooter. It makes sense to use the "Run as Administrator" option when using it (this will allow the settings to be applied to programs located in restricted folders). Click Next.

After waiting for some time, the next window will ask you to select a program with compatibility problems. If you need to add own program(for example, portable applications will not be displayed in the list), select Not in the list and click Next, then specify the path to the program’s executable file.

After selecting a program or specifying its location, you will be prompted to select a diagnostic mode. For manual indication Compatibility mode for a specific version of Windows, click Program Diagnostics.

The next window will ask you to indicate problems that were noticed when running your program in Windows 10. Select The program worked in previous versions of Windows, but is not installed or does not start now (or other options, as appropriate).

In the next window you will need to indicate which OS version to enable compatibility with - Windows 7, 8, Vista and XP. Select your option and click Next.

In the next window, to complete the installation of compatibility mode, you need to click Test the program. After running it, checking it (which you do yourself, optional) and closing it, click Next.

And, finally, either save the compatibility settings for this program, or use the second point, if errors remain - No, try using other settings. Done, after saving the settings, the program will work in Windows 10 in the compatibility mode you selected.

Windows 10 has been around for more than two years, and all major programs have long been optimized to run on it. However, there is software, such as specialized utilities or old games, that have not been updated for years and are not able to work correctly in new versions of Windows. Fortunately, in Windows 10, it is possible to run any program in a special compatibility mode with previous versions of the system, which helps cope with the problems of outdated software. This article will show how to run an incompatible program on Windows 10 and fix it in several ways.

How to enable compatibility mode through program properties

The easiest way to activate compatibility mode is to configure it in the program properties (namely the executable file, like. exe) or its label.

Where to find a program shortcut in Windows

All the shortcuts that various software places on the Start menu can be found in the folder C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs. Executable program files, as well as shortcuts that are not in the Start menu, are most often located in the application folder. It can be found in the following directories:

• The most common option: C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86).
• A rarer option: C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming.

How to enable compatibility mode

Enabling compatibility mode through the built-in diagnostic utility

A little more convenient settings compatibility mode is provided built-in Windows utility Troubleshooting compatibility issues.

1. Click Win+S. Enter Running programs created for previous versions of Windows.
2. Run the found utility.
   
3. Click on the inscription Additionally.
   
   
4. Select an item Run as administrator.
   
   
5. Click on the button Further.
   
   
6. Find the necessary program. If it is not in the list (for example, this is a portable application), then select Not on the list and specify the path to its executable file.
7. Click Further.
   
   
8. Choose manual or automatic method to configure compatibility settings. Often auto mode does not help fix problems, so we recommend using manual. To launch it, click Program diagnostics.
   
   
9. Check the box The program worked in previous versions of Windows, but does not install or run now and press Further.
   
   
10. Specify the version of the system in which the program previously worked correctly and click Further.
    
    
11. Click on the button Check the program to perform a test run.
12. Click Further.
    
    
13. If everything is in order, then select the item Yes, save these settings for the program. Otherwise, use the button No, try using other parameters and set the compatibility mode differently.
    
    
14. Close the troubleshooter.
    
    

In most cases, this instruction will help you work with old programs in the current operating system from Microsoft.

Favorite games and familiar programs cannot be replaced with new ones. When Microsoft releases a new OS, compatibility between programs from previous ones is a feature that developers think about first.

But sometimes trying to start the old one results in an error. Are Microsoft employees really that careless about their jobs?

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How to run old software on a new OS

Despite numerous changes in Windows 8.1 and 10, they support programs for XP and 7 with rare exceptions. Windows 8 compatibility problems do occur, but this is 1 case out of 100. Similar things happen with applications for XP and OSes released earlier. The problem encountered is the inability to launch an old game.

What is compatibility mode? If the software or 3D toy was made for win2000, then it probably won’t work on Vista. The point is the different OS structures. Software is created to work in a specific environment. When it gets into an unfamiliar one, it does not start or functions with errors. Windows compatibility is a way to “slip” into an application data from the old OS that is present in the new one. But sometimes the need to launch such functionality is unfounded. Under development software regularly receives new installers. There is no point in running an old antivirus on eight or ten when it has already been updated 10 times. So first check if there is a new “build”. The exception is for programs whose previous releases still contain useful features , for some reason not implemented in updates. In order for the old application to work correctly in the new OS and without failures, it is recommended to set the compatibility mode. This is not a special program for running old games or software: everything is implemented standard means

Windows.

Outdated programs and games in G8 (or 8.1) How to make the game compatible with Windows 8? Do you have a retro game lying around?, which has no worthy analogues, but it does not start or is “buggy” on the “eight”? Running old games on Windows 7 or 8 can be made stable. To do this, right-click on the shortcut and call up the context menu. Pay attention to the “Properties” item. Launch and select the Compatibility tab.

This window provides the necessary parameters to help ensure compatibility on Windows 8 for legacy applications.

Running old programs on Windows 7 will be easier if you know for sure what OS your game was released for, then for the “Run the program in compatibility mode for...” option, select this operating system. According to statistics, 90% of applications that conflict with Windows 8 and 8.1 work without problems in compatibility with XP Service Pack 2 or 3. Select the desired option, click “Apply” and “OK”. If it doesn’t start the first time, try other options, don’t forget to click on the “Apply” button.

If you are wondering how to disable compatibility mode in Windows 7, then simply follow the above steps in reverse order. But that's only basic setup. The “Compatibility” tab in the application shortcut properties also offers advanced settings:

1. low color mode;
2. lowering display resolution;
3. Disable image scaling for modern screens.

Color reduction

Games and applications for legacy operating systems were created to run on computers whose monitors had an image resolution of 640X480 or 800X600 pixels. Modern video cards and monitors offer resolutions of up to 2000-3000 pixels. You need to configure Compatibility View settings. It is recommended to run such software in color. By activating the mode, you will run the program at the resolution for which it is intended. In the “Compatibility” tab, check the box next to the appropriate item and select the appropriate color option - 8 or 16 bits.

Using a different screen resolution

Old games were created for screens with a resolution of 640X480. This resolution is supported in modern monitor models, but is not used. Sometimes the Windows 7 compatibility problem lies precisely in the stretched image.

To run old games on the new OS, apply the “Use screen resolution 640X480” option

Disabling picture scaling

If computer program or a video game was intended to be launched on monitors 10-20 years ago, on new displays they are distorted - the image is stretched and smeared. To prevent this from happening, check the box next to “Disable image scaling...”. Now the picture looks correct.

Is it possible to be completely incompatible? Windows application 7 Not often. It is not recommended to use compatibility mode for the following applications:

1. antiviruses;
2. garbage cleaners;
3. hard drive utilities;
4. tweakers.

This is a risk of compromising the stability of the OS.

Automatically apply settings

Windows contains special software that determines the appropriate correct launch mode for outdated applications and games. This is a good test of compatibility with Windows 7, 8 or 10. To launch, use the context menu of the installer file. At the top, click on the line “Fix compatibility problems”.

A new window will open, offering two options: using recommended parameters and diagnostics

The first point is fine. Select: A new window will open showing suggested options for the program to start correctly. The “Test program” item will help you test the proposed parameters in action. Clicking the button will launch the application with these parameters. If OK, save the result. Now the application automatically launches as it should, with the necessary options.

The diagnostics item helps you select options for correct launch, based on problems with the application.

By editing the registry

You can enable Windows 7, 8 or 10 compatibility using the registry. This method is used in rare cases, as there are plenty of other methods. For curious users, to run the game in compatibility mode or a legacy application:

• Click on "Start".
• In the “Run” field, enter cmd and press Enter.
• In the command prompt window that opens, type regedit and Enter.

The registry editor will start, find the branch HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ Software\ Microsoft\ Windows NT\ CurrentVersion\ AppCompatFlags\ Layers

• Right-click on the empty space on the right half of the window and select “Create”.
• Here, choose to create a “String Parameter”.
• Parameter name - full path to the executable file of the program for which you are setting up compatibility with Windows 7, for example.
• Now right-click on the parameter name and open “Edit”.
• In the “Value” line, enter one of the proposed options:

1. WIN7RTM - to install compatibility with the “seven”;
2. VISTARTM - for Vista;
3. VISTASP1 - Vista with Service Pack 1;
4. VISTASP2 - Vistas with Service Pack 2;
5. WINXPSP2 - for "expi" with service pack 2;
6. WINXPSP3 - "ex pi" with service pack 3;
7. WIN2000 - for Windows 2000;
8. NT4SP5 - for Windows NT version 4;
9. WIN98 - for Windows 98;
10. WIN95 - Windows 95.

• Do you intend to open the program in compatibility mode with administrator rights? After your selection above, add the word RUNASADMIN (separated by a space).
• Now find the branch HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Layers.
• Repeat steps 5 - 10 for this branch.
• Save and restart your computer.

Now you know how to enable compatibility mode on Windows 7, 8 10.

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If the computer is used by two or three or another number of users under separate accounts, it is recommended to apply program compatibility settings for “accounts”. Otherwise, if you boot under a different login, you will have to configure it from scratch. To do this, log into the OS as administrator account. Applying compatibility mode using the first method (in the shortcut menu), apply the “Change settings for all users” item. Now the program runs with the same characteristics on all accounts.

Users are faced with cases when outdated software does not start after the manipulations have been done and no program for compatibility of games on Windows 7 helps. But this does not mean that there are no chances to use a “prehistoric” program or play a retro game. What to do? Answer - ! This is a program that creates an environment for running an OS within an OS. On Windows 10, you can run Windows 2000 or XP and install the application or toy of interest in a virtual machine in its native environment. Example virtual machine- Virtualbox program. This method is reliable and guarantees full compatibility. For trouble-free operation of the virtual machine, you need a PC with advanced technical characteristics.

Let's look at this instruction on how to disable compatibility mode in the operating system. Windows system. Special mode compatibility allows you to run old programs in the new one Windows versions.

Many users use computer software whose latest releases were released quite a long time ago. It happens that the developer has stopped supporting the application, the program is not updated for some reason, and in the meantime a new version of the OS has been released. Until the transition to a new version of Windows, the program works and fully satisfies the user's needs.

After installation new version Windows or after upgrading to Windows 10 from previous versions of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you find that some programs do not work on your computer. To run older applications that work normally in previous versions of the operating system, Windows compatibility mode is used.

In some cases, the user needs to disable Windows Compatibility Mode. For example, a new version of the application has been released that supports a new version of Windows, or because this mode interferes with the operation of some programs.

Sometimes messages appear stating that the program is running in compatibility mode, so the user is faced with the question of how to disable this mode. separate program or disable the mode altogether on the computer.

There are two ways to disable Windows Program Compatibility Mode:

• disable program compatibility mode
• disable compatibility mode in Windows operating system

In the first case, compatibility mode will be disabled for the individual program. In the second option, the system service responsible for program compatibility on the computer will be disabled.

To disable Program Compatibility Mode in Windows, you can use several methods: from “Manage Services”, disable the “Program Compatibility Assistant Service”, disable it using the Local Group Policy Editor, or by disabling the service in the system configuration.

How to disable compatibility mode for a specific program (method 1)

To disable compatibility mode for a specific program, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the shortcut or program file. IN context menu select "Properties".
2. In the Properties: Application Name window, open the Compatibility tab.
3. In the “Compatibility Mode” section, uncheck the box next to “Run this program in compatibility mode for:”, and then click on the “OK” button.

After this, the compatibility mode for this application will be turned off in the Windows operating system.

Disabling the Compatibility Assistant service in the System Configuration application (method 2)

The easiest way to disable the Program Compatibility Assistant service in Windows is to use system program System configuration.

Make the following settings:

1. In the search engine Windows line enter the expression: "msconfig" (without quotes), and then run the system utility.
2. In the System Configuration window, open the Services tab, find the Program Compatibility Assistant Service service.
3. Uncheck the box next to “Program Compatibility Assistant Service”, click on the “Apply” and “OK” buttons (In Windows 7, the service is called “Program Compatibility Information”).

1. Restart your computer.

After the computer starts, the Program Compatibility Assistant service will be disabled in the Windows operating system.

Stop the Program Compatibility Assistant service (3rd method)

Another method is to disable the Compatibility Assistant service in local services in the Windows operating system.

Configure the following settings:

1. Press the “Win” + “R” keys on your keyboard at the same time.
2. In the “Run” window, in the “Open” field, enter the expression “services.msc” (without quotes), and then click on the “OK” button to execute the command.
3. In the Services window, double-click on the Program Compatibility Assistant service.

1. In the “Properties: Program Compatibility Assistant Service (Local System)” window, in the “General” tab, click on the “Stop” button if the service is running in this moment time.
2. In the Startup Type setting, select Disabled, and then click OK.

Disabling the Compatibility Assistant in the Local Group Policy Editor (method 4)

Users of the Windows operating system in editions: Pro, Enterprise, For educational institutions can use one more method using the Local Group Policy Editor.

Go through the following steps:

1. Type "gpedit.msc" (without quotes) into the Windows Search box, and then launch Local Group Policy Editor.
2. In the “Policy” setting Local computer”” Open the “User Configuration” section.
3. Follow the path “Administrative Templates”, then “ Windows components", find the "Application Compatibility" policy.
4. Double-click on the “Disable Program Compatibility Assistant” option.

1. In the Disable Program Compatibility Assistant window, select the Disabled option, and then click OK.

Conclusion

If necessary, the user can disable Windows Program Compatibility Mode for an individual program or disable the Program Compatibility Assistant service in the Windows operating system in three different ways.

Compatibility mode in a laptop/computer on Windows 10 solves problems with launching applications or drivers.

If you do not use this function, you can disable it. This will slightly increase your PC's performance.

There are several options to disable program compatibility mode in Windows 10: via group policy, local services and administration.

These settings should also be disabled for those for whom they cause performance problems, are irritated by a constantly pop-up window, or are generally disruptive. correct installation programs.

How to turn off compatibility mode in Windows 10 through the services service

To apply the direct shutdown option, call the run command, enter the word services.msc and click OK.

There we find the line Compatibility Assistant service, right-click on it, select the “properties” line and disable it.

Finally apply and ok. The method is simple, fast, reliable, but you won’t be able to do this with all services – the system won’t allow it.

Disabling Program Compatibility Mode in Windows 10 via Group Policy

To call Group Policy in the “run command” (you can command line or search) we enter another word - gpedit.msc. No period at the end.

In the window that appears, we follow the path: Administrative Templates =>> Windows Components =>> “Application Compatibility”.

Now click on the line to disable the Program Compatibility Assistant, then put a “black mark” next to the word disable and confirm your actions.

Disable Compatibility Assistant in Windows 10 through Administration

To disable the parameters using this option, uncheck the box in the appropriate place - this service will no longer start at boot.

That's all - all three methods are fully functional - a minute of time and the service is disabled.

True, I always leave it - I have to use programs that are not yet specifically for Windows 10.

Of course, you can do all this in manual mode, although you still have to make edits.

This assistant himself does not always correctly select the appropriate mode. Good luck.