Most apps (and other programs, like games or utilities) that were created for earlier versions of Windows will work in the most recent versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11, but some older ones might run poorly or not at all. Here are some ways to fix common issues with older programs.
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To check which version and build of Windows you're running, in the search box on the taskbar, enter winver and then select Enter.
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If you have printer or scanner problems after a Windows upgrade or update, see Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows.
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If you have Bluetooth problems after a Windows upgrade or update, see Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows.
Try running the compatibility troubleshooter:
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In the search box on the taskbar, type Run programs made for previous versions of Windows and select it in the results.
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Select Next, select the program you're having trouble with, then select Next again.
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Select Troubleshoot program (or you can select Try recommended settings to try that).
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Select the problem you're having and follow the process.
First, try running the compatibility troubleshooter:
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In the search box on the taskbar, type the name of the program or app you want to troubleshoot.
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Select and hold (or right-click) it, and then select Open file location.
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Select and hold (or right-click) the program file, select Properties, and then select the Compatibility tab.
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Select Run compatibility troubleshooter.
If that didn’t work, you can try adjusting the settings Compatibility tab. Here's what to look for and what each setting does when it's selected.
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Compatibility setting |
Description |
|---|---|
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Run this program in compatibility mode for |
Runs the program using settings from an earlier version of Windows. Try this setting if you know the program is designed for (or worked with) a specific version of Windows. |
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Reduced color mode |
Uses a limited set of colors in the program. Some older programs are designed to use fewer colors. |
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Run in 640 × 480 screen resolution |
Try this setting if the graphics for the program appear jagged or are rendered incorrectly. |
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Change high DPI settings |
If your program isn't displayed correctly on a PC with a high-DPI display (its features are blurry or are too big or too small), select Change high DPI settings, and then try one of these options in the Properties dialog box: Choose which DPI to use
Change the application's high-DPI scaling mode In the High DPI scaling override area, select Override high DPI scaling behavior, and then try one of the following options:
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Run this program as an administrator |
Some programs require administrator permissions to run correctly. Sign in to your PC as an administrator to use this option. |
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Change settings for all users |
Apply the settings for that program to all accounts on the PC, and select |
