How to Change the Windows Compatibility Mode?

Change the Windows Compatibility Mode

Are you aware of the fact that you can run your software using compatibility mode in the Windows operating system? The purpose of software running using compatibility mode is that it can run as if it was running in an older version of Windows. Some of the older software are designed for use in a specific version of Windows. This is where it requires the compatibility mode to be used. However, if you don't change the Windows compatibility mode, it might lead to an experience having multiple errors or functionality problems.

In order to change the Windows compatibility mode for a software program you need to follow this step by step guide discussed below.

Important Note: Compatibility mode doesn't work for all types of software programs. Whenever you don't find the compatibility mode option for your software program, it is not available and can only run in the current Windows version on your computer.

Why a Need to Change the Windows Compatibility Mode?

Most of the software programs that you use are created for previous versions of Windows but they do run well in Windows 10. Unfortunately, few of the older apps that don't work well or even at all with the new operating system. For such programs, you can try to fix the issues you get in running these older desktop programs in Windows 10 by changing their compatibility mode settings. If you are still having any such problems, you can simply understand to open a port on Windows Firewall.  

Windows offers a built-in tool called Program Compatibility Troubleshooter that helps to fix any compatibility problems with the software. But if the troubleshooter is unable to fix the problem, you can manually allow an app to run into compatibility mode. By doing so, the app will run using the settings from an earlier version of Windows. This troubleshooter automatically finds the apps that could have issues in Windows 10 or you can manually run the troubleshooter on a specific app. Here's how to use Program Compatibility Troubleshooter. 

Steps to Change the Windows Compatibility Mode via Settings

Step 1: Firstly, search for the executable file or shortcut file of that particular software program.

Step 2: Now, right-click on the executable or shortcut file and then select Properties option from the pop up menu.

Step 3: As the Properties window displays on the screen, click on the Compatibility tab.

Step 4: Here, under the Compatibility mode section, check on the Run this program in compatibility mode for box.

Step 5: In the drop down box shown down side at the checkbox option, select the specific version of Windows that you want to run the software program under, for compatibility mode.

Step 6: Lastly, click on the OK button which will save the modified settings.

Steps to Change the Windows Compatibility Mode via Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

This is the alternative method to change the Windows compatibility mode for specific programs.

Step 1: Go to the taskbar search box, enter run programs, and then click on the "Run programs made for previous versions of Windows."

Step 2: Now, click on Next and the troubleshooter automatically tries to find potential issues with your apps.

Step 3: Select the app that is giving issues in the next window and then click Next.

Step 4: Now, you have to choose a troubleshooting option: use the recommended compatibility setting or choose compatibility settings yourself.

Note: If you select to use the recommended settings, the troubleshooter will test the app using a previous version of Windows so you can check whether the issue has been resolved or not. 

If you select to troubleshoot the app, the troubleshooter will ask you for theexperienced problems. Based on your choice, the troubleshooter will give you tests and suggestions to fix the problem, such as testing the display settings for the app.

Step 5: Lastly, you can click the Test the program button and then click on Next. Moreover, you can save these settings for the app.

Remember the fact that you will have to run the compatibility troubleshooter for each app you're having compatibility problems with.

This is how you can change the Windows compatibility mode for the desired set of software programs on your Windows computer.