Is windows 8 backward compatible with windows 7 softwares? Will windows 8.1 be too?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
D

dhruv990

Distinguished
Mar 12, 2010
309
0
18,810
Im getting a new laptop with windows 8 pre installed. I wanted to upgrade to windows 8.1 because of all the improvements I've heard about (plus I like being able to reach the desktop on startup, and also like the return of the windows button and the fact that I can power off by right clicking the windows button apart from the fps games in certain games)
But I'm concerned will my softwares that I used with windows 7(my win 7 machine, again a laptop, is extremely slow) work with windows 8? And does windows 8.1 further hamper compatibility or is it mostly a cosmetic tune up (meaning it's still windows 8 right? not 'Completely New Windows, Bye Bye Old Programs That Worked On Windows 8!')
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
I

IDontUnderstand

Honorable
Dec 29, 2012
2,377
0
12,460
Windows 8.1 is an updated version of Windows 8, it's more like a service pack in a sense, so no. Most things that worked in Windows 8 will work in 8.1. As for programs from Windows 7, it really depends on what programs, the well known software should all have a version that's compatible with Windows 8/8.1. However, that's not to say that all software are updated and compatible, especially those without many support and developers. Lastly, you can always try running the executable in compatibility mode by right clicking on the .exe file and select properties, then compatibility, then run in compatibility mode.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
P

Pinhedd

Champion
Aug 7, 2007
10,342
20
56,965


Windows 8.1 is a big patch to Windows 8. It doesn't change anything compatibility wise from the perspective of user applications. The only big change compatibility wise is a major update to the display driver subsystem, so Windows 8 display drivers from AMD/NVidia/Intel will not work on Windows 8.1. This was addressed by the three manufacturers months before launch though.

As for compatibility between Windows 8 and Windows 7, around 95% of all applications will run just fine without any updates whatsoever.

A few applications that use custom memory managers or other replacements for system functions may have compatibility issues, but these are usually limited to professional CAD/EDA software. I've yet to find a game or major consumer application that doesn't work. Microsoft maintains a compatibility list for popular products, feel free to take a look at it.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
D

dhruv990

Distinguished
Mar 12, 2010
309
0
18,810

Thanks :) i just hope that windows 8 compatibility mode is as accomodating as 7. The softwares i'm using cost a hell of a lot to upgrade :(
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom