To operate old software in Windows 10, you have to set the compatibility mode. Here're the exact steps to change compatibility mode in Windows 10.

One of the best things about Windows is its backward compatibility having a wide range of software. There is no other OS on the market that provides just as much backward compatibility as Windows 10. Even software developed in the Windows 95 era works just fine in Windows 10. Though most software works all right right away from box, some older software may require you to change the compatibility mode. This is especially true for software designed using special components in older versions of Windows. To operate those types of software, you need to first change the compatibility mode of this software.

For instance, certainly one of my favorite software, NetSpeedMonitor only runs in compatibility mode. If you do not run it in compatibility mode, it simply doesn't work because it should and throws incompatibility errors. When you change its compatibility mode settings, it really works all right.

So, if you're trying to run older software or maybe some software is throwing compatibility errors, you can try changing the compatibility settings. In this simple and quick guide, let me demonstrate the steps to change compatibility mode in Windows 10.

Change Compatibility Mode of a Program or Exe File

You are able to change the compatibility mode of the program from its EXE file properties. Here's how.

First, locate the exe file of the program.
Next, right-click around the exe file.
Select "Properties" from the right-click options.
Go to the "Compatibility" tab.
Here, choose the "Run the program in compatibility mode for" checkbox.
Now, choose the operating-system of your liking in the dropdown menu. Generally, Windows 7 or Windows XP is a great option.
Click "Apply".
Click "Ok" to save changes.

That is it. You've changed the compatibility settings for your specific program. Just double-click on the exe file and it'll automatically run in compatibility mode.

Note: If you are trying to change compatibility settings of an MSI file, choose the "Previous version of Windows" option from the drop-down menu in step six.

Run Windows 10 Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

Windows 10 also offers a course compatibility troubleshooter that scans the system and enables you to change the compatibility settings. Here's ways to use the program compatibility troubleshooter in Windows 10.

Open the Start menu. You can press the Start answer to open it.
Search and open "Run programs designed for previous versions of Windows" troubleshooter.
After opening the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter, click "Next" around the main screen.
The app will scan the machine for issues and incompatible programs and lists them.
Select this program of your liking and click on "Next".
If you cannot see the program of your liking, select "Not Listed". After that you can browse and select the exe file manually.
Now, choose the "Try recommended settings" option.
Windows will apply the compatibility settings. Click the "Test the program" button to see if it really works.
If this program works. You can close the troubleshooter.
If it didn't solve the issue, the troubleshooter will show additional options.
Follow the wizard to apply the compatibility settings when needed.
Once done, you can close the troubleshooter program.

That is all. It is that simple to operate compatibility troubleshooter in Windows 10.