Abstract
- To run an previous app or sport on Home windows 11, use your working system’s built-in compatibility mode.
- To make use of compatibility mode, right-click your app or sport, click on “Properties,” open the “Compatibility” tab, and configure the obtainable choices.
- You could find and repair compatibility points by right-clicking your program and selecting Present Extra Choices > Troubleshoot Compatibility.
If an app is refusing to open or work as anticipated, attempt working it in Home windows 11’s compatibility mode. This mode fixes any compatibility points, and I’ll present you how one can use it to your put in applications.
What Is Compatibility Mode?
Compatibility mode is a Home windows 11 function that simulates older Home windows variations to your applications. This lets you run previous software program in your Home windows 11 machine. For the reason that function is constructed into the working system, you don’t should obtain or set up something to make use of it.
Word that the function doesn’t change your apps in any method. As a substitute, it simply gives an older Home windows model surroundings to your apps to work in. This mode is app-specific, which means it’s solely utilized to the apps you select. Your different apps proceed to work outdoors of this mode.
When Ought to You Use Compatibility Mode?
In the event you’re experiencing compatibility points together with your apps or video games, attempt utilizing compatibility mode to repair these points. Some widespread issues embrace an app refusing to launch or displaying unsupported errors, the place compatibility mode may also help.

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If sure options have stopped working in your apps, the mode may also help repair them. Additionally, in case your program was initially made for an older Home windows model, it is sensible to run it below that Home windows surroundings.
Methods to Launch a Program in Compatibility Mode
Operating a program in Home windows 11’s compatibility mode is as straightforward as selecting a menu possibility. To try this, discover your program’s shortcut. In case your program’s shortcut isn’t on your desktop, open Home windows Search (press Home windows+S), kind your program’s identify, and choose “Open File Location” on the correct pane.
Proper-click your app or sport’s icon and select “Properties.” On the open window, entry the “Compatibility” tab. Right here, activate the “Run This Program in Compatibility Mode For” possibility. From the drop-down menu, choose the Home windows model below which you need to launch your program. Your choices are Home windows 8, Home windows 7, Home windows Vista, Home windows Vista (Service Pack 1), and Home windows Vista (Service Pack 2).
Optionally, you’ll be able to configure different compatibility choices on the identical window. These choices are:
- Decreased Shade Mode: This mode helps use 16-bit shade schemes for previous applications.
- Run in 640 x 480 Display screen Decision: This reduces the display screen decision for very previous apps and video games.
- Disable Fullscreen Optimizations: This selection fixes show efficiency points.
After making adjustments, on the backside of the window, click on “Apply” adopted by “OK.”
To launch your program in compatibility mode, double-click this system’s shortcut. It is going to run in line with the settings you’ve configured above. Sooner or later, to disable compatibility mode, right-click your program and select “Properties.” Entry the “Compatibility” tab and switch off “Run This Program in Compatibility Mode For.” Then, select “Apply” adopted by “OK.”

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What if Your Program Would not Work in Compatibility Mode?
In case your app or sport gained’t work even after enabling compatibility mode, you’ve gotten a couple of methods to resolve the issue.
Use the Compatibility Troubleshooter
Home windows 11 has a compatibility troubleshooter that permits you to discover and repair compatibility points together with your applications. You don’t should configure any choices manually, as this instrument does that for you. To make use of it, right-click your app or sport and select Present Extra Choices > Troubleshoot Compatibility. In the event you don’t see that possibility, right-click your program and select “Properties.” Open the “Compatibility” tab and choose “Run Compatibility Troubleshooter.”
Wait whereas Home windows 11 finds and fixes compatibility points together with your program.
Use a Digital Machine
In the event you’re attempting to make use of a particularly previous app or sport, you’re higher off working it in a virtual machine. On this case, you’ll use Home windows 7 or Home windows XP in your digital machine to run this system. Setting up a virtual machine isn’t as troublesome as you may suppose.
Discover Up to date or Different Choices
It’s attainable your program’s developer has launched an up to date program model, which may work on Home windows 11. On this case, go to your program maker’s web site and see if an up to date model is accessible. Then, obtain and use that up to date model.

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If there’s no up to date model, contemplate getting a substitute for your app. There are various applications that may do the identical job because the one you’re attempting to run. This allows you to get your duties carried out with out a lot problem in your Home windows 11 pc.
And that’s the way you make previous applications suitable together with your Home windows 11 pc. Do you know Microsoft Office also offers a compatibility mode?