How to run legacy Windows software using compatibility mode

Legacy desktop applications can fail on modern Windows releases when they depend on older defaults for file locations, permissions, or graphics behavior. Common symptoms include startup crashes, missing UI elements, installer failures, or “access denied” errors when the program tries to write into protected areas.

The Compatibility Mode feature applies an application-compatibility layer to a specific executable, using built-in “shims” that emulate older Windows behaviors. Settings are stored per program and can include version emulation (for example Windows 7), legacy display handling, and selected overrides that adjust how the OS launches and isolates the application.

Compatibility settings cannot fix everything, especially 16-bit applications on 64-bit Windows, kernel-mode drivers, or software that requires deprecated hardware interfaces. Options like running as administrator or overriding DPI scaling can improve reliability, but they also change security and display behavior and should be enabled only when needed.

1. Locate the program’s main .exe file in File Explorer.

   Most desktop apps install under C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86).

2. Right-click the .exe file and select Properties.
3. Select the Compatibility tab.

   The Compatibility tab appears on classic desktop executables and some shortcuts, not Microsoft Store apps.

4. Enable Run this program in compatibility mode for:.
5. Select the Windows version closest to the program’s original system requirement.

   Start with Windows 7 or Windows 8 when the exact version is unknown.

6. Enable additional options under Settings when the program needs them.

   Common fixes include Disable fullscreen optimizations for older games, Reduced color mode for broken palettes, and Run in 640 x 480 screen resolution for fixed-size legacy UI.

   Enabling Run this program as an administrator grants full system privileges to the app.

7. Select Change high DPI settings for scaling overrides.
8. Enable Override high DPI scaling behavior and select Application.

   System (Enhanced) can improve readability for older GDI applications that still render blurry.

9. Select OK to close the High DPI settings dialog.
10. Select Apply to save the compatibility settings.
11. Select OK to close the Properties window.
12. Launch the program to verify it opens and behaves correctly.

    Revert changes by returning to the Compatibility tab and clearing the enabled options.

13. Right-click the program’s .exe file and select Troubleshoot compatibility when manual settings do not work.

    Windows 11 may require Show more options to reveal Troubleshoot compatibility in the classic menu.

14. Select Try recommended settings in the troubleshooter.
15. Select Test the program.
16. Select Next.
17. Select Yes, save these settings for this program.
18. Select Close to exit the troubleshooter.

    Persistent failures can indicate unsupported components such as 16-bit binaries or driver dependencies, which typically require a virtual machine.