Applies to Windows 8

Make older programs compatible with this version of Windows

Most programs created for earlier versions of Windows also work in this version of Windows, but some older programs might run poorly or not at all. If a program written for an earlier version of Windows doesn't work correctly, you can try changing the compatibility settings for the program, either by using the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter or manually choosing compatibility settings.

If changing the compatibility settings doesn't fix the problem, you can go to the program manufacturer's website to see if there's an update for the program.

Warning

Warning

  • Don’t use the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter on antivirus programs, firewall software, backup software or disk utilities.

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To run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

  1. Open Program Compatibility Troubleshooter by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering program compatibility in the search box, tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking Run programs made for previous versions of Windows.

  2. Follow the instructions in the troubleshooter.

    Tip

    Tip

    • You can also open the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter by pressing and holding or right-clicking a program's icon or shortcut on your desktop, and then tapping or clicking Troubleshoot compatibility.

To change compatibility settings manually

  1. Press and hold or right-click the program icon on your desktop, tap or click Properties, and then tap or click the Compatibility tab.

  2. Select one or more settings described in the following table.

    SettingDescription

    Compatibility mode

    Runs the program using settings from a previous version of Windows. Try this setting if you know the program is designed for (or worked in) a specific previous version of Windows.

    Run in reduced color mode

    Uses a limited set of colors in the program. Some older programs are designed to use fewer colors.

    Run in 640 × 480 screen resolution

    Runs the program in a smaller-sized window. Try this setting if the graphics for the program appear jagged or are rendered improperly.

    Disable display scaling on high DPI settings

    Turns off automatic resizing of programs if large-scale font size is used. Try this setting if large-scale fonts are interfering with the appearance of the program.

    Privilege level

    Runs the program as an administrator. Some programs require administrator privileges to run properly. If you aren't signed in to your PC as an administrator, this option is unavailable.

    Change settings for all users

    Lets you choose settings that will apply to all users on this computer.