Run legacy programs in 64-bit Windows with compatibility mode options / Windows 7

The transition from the 32-bit version of Windows to the 64-bit version was slow. Although Windows XP, Vista, and 7 are all available in 64-bit versions, many companies still choose 32-bit versions.

The biggest reason for this is compatibility issues with older programs, hardware, and drivers.

Microsoft recognizes that wanting to use older programs is a barrier to those who may be considering switching to a 64-bit version of Windows.

In anticipation of this hurdle, the software giant integrated into Windows 7 and later the ability to select multiple compatibility options to ensure that old programs have a good chance of working in the new 64-bit operating system.

Make compatibility changes to a program

Before you start using compatibility options in Windows 7 & 10, you should know a few things. First, there’s no guarantee that choosing compatibility options will make all your old software work. These options are simply an attempt to simulate the operating environment of older versions of Windows.

Second, you can make compatibility changes to the program itself or a shortcut to the program. Either way, you’ll need to undo these changes if you want to get back to normal operating mode.

If you make a compatibility change to a program shortcut and then delete that shortcut, you will have to find another shortcut for the program or its exe file to undo or make the changes accordingly. other likes.

If this sounds complicated, don’t worry. Selecting a compatibility option for a program is as simple as selecting and deselecting options from a list.

Change compatibility options

Let’s say you have an old program installed on a 64-bit Windows PC and you have problems running it. The problem could be a compatibility issue.

While Microsoft has done a great job of maintaining compatibility when users run 32-bit applications on 64-bit platforms, not every fallback can be predicted or resolved.

To start using compatibility mode options in Windows 7 or 10 64-bit, right-click the program or shortcut to the program that is not running correctly and select Nature from the menu.

Now you should look at the properties for the program. Click Compatibility tab and notice that you have several options available. Each option falls into one of three categories: Compatibility mode, Settingor Privilege Level.

Below is a description of each of these options.

Compatibility mode

This option is a great choice when you know exactly which version of Windows your program runs well on. For example, if your program was released at a time when Windows XP was the reigning version of Windows, click the option box titled Run this program in compatibility mode and choose Windows XP from the drop-down list is a good choice.

Note that compatibility mode offers a wide selection of words Windows 95 to Windows 8. Also note that you can even choose to run your program in compatibility mode for different service packs of the same operating system.

Note that in Windows 10, there is a new option called Compatible debuggerit will scan it for you and try to find the best settings automatically.

When you run it you can try the suggested settings it will try to automatically choose the correct ones or you can choose Troubleshooting programwill ask you questions about the problems you’re having and then suggest installation.

Setting

This compatibility options section allows you to fine-tune the compatibility experience for your legacy program. In general, these options are for programs written and run on very old versions of Windows like 95, 98, and ME.

For example, the native resolution and color depth of Windows 95 is only 640×480 with 256 colors. If your old program is running but looks too small or has strange colors, try these two options.

If Windows warns you that the program is incompatible due to some video problem, consider trying compatibility settings labeled Disable visual themes and Disable desktop component. These settings often interfere with outdated video rendering in older programs.

Finally, if your program is written for 4:3 aspect ratio screens, consider trying the option titled Disable display scaling on high DPI settings. This will not scale the program to match your monitor’s current resolution and aspect ratio.

Note that some of these options are not available in Windows 10 and some have been moved around. For example, Windows 10 is no longer available Privilege Levelbut instead lists the option to run the program as Administrator below Setting.

Privilege Level

The last option on this window concerns how Windows now assigns permissions in Windows 7/10 and how it was used to assign permissions in previous versions of the operating system.

Windows 95, 98, and ME do not take advantage of multiple user accounts; everyone uses the same desktop, has the same permissions, and has full control over every aspect of the operating system. Basically, everyone is a top-level administrator.

This is a problem for programs released under those conditions because they enjoy near-unregulated access to hardware, software, and drivers. Checking this option will ensure that the program has the permissions it needs to run as if it had this kind of control again.

It seems like everyone has some old program they want to work in Windows 7 or 10. If you’re running 64-bit Windows, you’re even less likely to get that program running than if you were using Windows 10. use the 32 bit version.

However, by taking advantage of the compatibility mode options, you can reuse your old software and avoid having to consider other options like dual-booting your PC with an older version of Windows or running Virtual PC from within Windows.