To run a program in compatibility mode in Windows 11, right-click its shortcut or .exe file, choose Properties, open the Compatibility tab, check Run this program in compatibility mode for, pick an older Windows version such as Windows 7 or Windows 8, and click OK. If you’re not sure which settings to use, click Run compatibility troubleshooter on the same tab and let Windows test them for you.
Compatibility mode helps older apps and games that were written for earlier versions of Windows. Here’s how to use it, which settings matter, and what to try when it doesn’t work.
What compatibility mode does
Compatibility mode makes Windows 11 report itself to a program as an older version of Windows and apply small fixes (called shims) that older software expects. It can fix installers that refuse to run, apps that crash at launch, and display problems in older games. It can’t add drivers that don’t exist for Windows 11 or make 16-bit programs run on 64-bit Windows.
Method 1: Set compatibility mode manually
- Find the program’s shortcut or its .exe file. To find the .exe from a Start menu entry, right-click the app and choose More > Open file location; if that opens a shortcut, right-click it and choose Open file location again.
- Right-click the file and choose Properties. (In Windows 11’s shorter menu, you may need Show more options first.)
- Click the Compatibility tab.
- Check Run this program in compatibility mode for and pick the Windows version the program was made for.
- Click Apply, then OK, and launch the program.
To apply the setting for everyone who uses the PC, click Change settings for all users at the bottom of the Compatibility tab before choosing options.
Method 2: Use the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
- On the program’s Compatibility tab, click Run compatibility troubleshooter.
- Choose Try recommended settings to let Windows pick, or Troubleshoot program to describe the problem.
- Click Test the program, check whether it works, and then click Next.
- Choose Yes, save these settings for this program if it worked.
You can also find this troubleshooter by searching Start for Run programs made for previous versions of Windows. Microsoft has been moving troubleshooters into the Get Help app, so the exact screens may look different on your PC.
Other settings on the Compatibility tab
| Setting | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Reduced color mode | Very old games that expect 8-bit or 16-bit color |
| Run in 640 x 480 screen resolution | Old games with tiny or broken menus |
| Disable fullscreen optimizations | Games that stutter, flicker, or have input lag in fullscreen |
| Run this program as an administrator | Older apps that write to protected folders such as Program Files |
| Change high DPI settings | Blurry or tiny text on high-resolution screens |
| Register this program for restart | Reopen the app automatically after an update restart |
Fix blurry or tiny old programs
Click Change high DPI settings, check Override high DPI scaling behavior, and choose Application, System, or System (Enhanced). System usually makes text larger but a little soft; Application keeps it sharp but may be small. Try each to see which looks best.
Running older games in compatibility mode
- Right-click the game’s .exe (not the launcher, if it has one) and open Properties > Compatibility.
- Pick Windows 7 or Windows XP (Service Pack 3) for games from those eras.
- Check Disable fullscreen optimizations and, if needed, Run this program as an administrator.
- For very old games, try Reduced color mode or 640 x 480.
Also install the game’s latest patch, and check whether a remastered or store version (such as on Steam or GOG) exists, since those are often already updated for modern Windows. For DOS games, a dedicated emulator such as DOSBox works better than compatibility mode.
When compatibility mode isn’t enough
- Check the developer’s site for an updated version or patch.
- Install missing components such as older .NET Framework versions (Windows Features) or Visual C++ redistributables.
- Use a virtual machine running an older version of Windows for software that just won’t cooperate.
- Look for an alternative app that does the same job and supports Windows 11.
How to turn compatibility mode off
Open the program’s Properties > Compatibility tab, uncheck the options you turned on, and click OK.
Related: How to get out of compatibility mode in Word.
Related: How to create a virtual machine in Windows 11.
Related: Play old PC games on Windows 11.
Related: Install CorelDRAW X4 on Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there no Compatibility tab?
The tab only appears for program files (.exe) and their shortcuts. Store apps and some system programs don’t have it.
Can compatibility mode run 16-bit programs?
No. 64-bit Windows 11 can’t run 16-bit programs; use a virtual machine or emulator instead.
Is compatibility mode safe?
Yes. It only changes how Windows treats that one program, and you can turn it off at any time.
Which Windows version should I choose?
Start with the version the program was released for. If you don’t know, try Windows 7 first, then Windows XP (Service Pack 3).
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He started on a university help desk, spent years as the IT person for small businesses, and has been writing tech guides full time since 2020. Each guide is checked on a device he owns, and re-checked when a menu moves. More about Kermit.