To change an older desktop program’s compatibility setting, open that program’s Properties, select the Compatibility tab, and choose or clear Run this program in compatibility mode for. The setting applies to that program or shortcut, not to Windows as a whole. If the tab is missing or the change does not help, try the Windows Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.
Before changing compatibility settings
First check whether the program’s publisher has an update or Windows-specific instructions. Microsoft recommends checking Microsoft Store for Store apps and the publisher’s website for other apps. A current version may resolve the problem without changing Windows settings. Microsoft’s older-app compatibility guidance covers both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Compatibility options vary by program. The Compatibility tab is not guaranteed to appear for every app, and the list of Windows versions depends on the program and Windows installation.
Change compatibility mode for a program
- Find the program’s executable file or a shortcut to it. If you use a shortcut, right-click that shortcut; to configure the program itself, locate and right-click its executable.
- Select Properties, then open the Compatibility tab.
- To turn compatibility mode on, select Run this program in compatibility mode for, then choose a listed Windows version.
- Select Apply if it is available, then select OK.
- Open the program and check whether the original problem is resolved.
Microsoft documents this Properties > Compatibility route and checkbox in support instructions for particular older programs; the exact options can differ between apps. See Microsoft’s compatibility instructions.
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Turn compatibility mode off
Right-click the same executable or shortcut, select Properties > Compatibility, and clear Run this program in compatibility mode for. Select Apply if shown, then OK. This clears that compatibility-mode selection; it does not change compatibility settings for other programs.
Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
Use the built-in troubleshooter if you are unsure which setting to try, or if the compatibility option is unavailable or ineffective. The Settings path differs between Windows 11 and Windows 10. Microsoft’s instructions are in its older-app compatibility guidance.
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Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Program Compatibility Troubleshooter and select Run.
- Follow the prompts to select the program and apply the suggested troubleshooting steps.
Windows 10
- Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
- Select Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.
- Follow the prompts.
You can also open Get Help and search for Run the Windows Program Compatibility troubleshooter, as described by Microsoft’s troubleshooter instructions.
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Compatibility mode is not a guarantee. A program may be incompatible because of operating-system architecture, security features, or its system requirements; selecting an older Windows mode may not address those causes. Check the publisher’s support guidance for the specific app, and try its recommended update or repair steps. Microsoft discusses these limits in its compatibility guidance.
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Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says that after that date it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. This support change does not mean compatibility mode itself stopped working. Microsoft’s Windows 10 app repair page states the end-of-support date.
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