How To 

How to run compatibility mode in Windows 10

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Windows 10 is the best Microsoft operating system to date, but it isn’t without its issues. It works well with a huge number of apps and hardware setups but no OS will work in every conceivable configuration. Sometimes things don’t work as planned, which is where Compatibility Mode comes in. If you need to run Compatibility Mode in Windows 10, here’s how to do it.

Windows 10 calls it ‘Program Compatibility Troubleshooter’ and the feature has been a part of Windows for the last few years. It’s a way of simulating previous Windows versions, tricking the app into working correctly. If it works, you can then set it to use Compatibility Mode as a default for that particular app.

Run Compatibility Mode in Windows 10
Right click on the app in question and select Properties. You can now either run the compatibility troubleshooter or select the option yourself. Doing it yourself is faster.

1. Go to the Compatibility tab and select Compatibility Mode.
2. Check the box and select the previous version of Windows where the app worked.
3. Click apply and run the program to see if it works. Retry another Windows version if you still encounter problems.

The other options within the compatibility window can be useful in certain circumstances. Run in reduced color mode and 600 x 400 mode can work with very old apps. Run program as administrator can be very helpful if the app needs elevated permissions to run, just be aware that it will then have full control of your system so make sure you know the app well first!

More troubleshooting tips can be found in these tutorials:
How to Perform a Repair Installation for Windows 10
How to run compatibility mode in Windows 10
How to get into Advanced startup options in Windows 10