On Windows 11, you can use the compatibility mode settings to fix problems with applications that were designed for an older version of Windows.
Although the operating system conserves backward compatibility for many applications, some legacy apps may still not work correctly on Windows 11, causing different problems. For instance, the app may experience crashes or freezes as you try to run it, conflict with File Explorer or another program, show rendering issues, or not open at all.
While itâs best always to run new apps designed for Windows 11 (or Windows 10), if you come across problems, the âCompatibility Modeâ feature lets you emulate different environments to allow the app to run normally.
This guide will teach you the steps to enable compatibility mode on any application that wasnât designed for Windows 11.
- Change app compatibility mode automatically on Windows 11
- Change app compatibility mode manually on Windows 11
- Change app compatibility mode with troubleshooter on Windows 11
Change app compatibility mode automatically on Windows 11
To fix app compatibility problems with Windows 11, use these steps:
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Open Start on Windows 11.
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Search for the problematic app, right-click the top result, and choose the âOpen folder locationâ option.
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Right-click the app executable file and select the Properties option.
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Click the Compatibility tab.
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Click the âRun compatibility troubleshooterâ button.
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Click the âTry recommended settingsâ option.
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Click the âTest the programâ button to see if the compatibility mode fixes the problem.
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Click the âNextâ button if the app is working correctly.
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Click the âYes, save these settings for this programâ option.
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(Optional) Click the âNo, try again using different settingsâ option to test different settings until the problem is resolved.
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Click the Close button.
Once you complete the steps, the application should run without any more issues on Windows 11.
Change app compatibility mode manually on Windows 11
To change the app compatibility mode manually, use these steps:
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Open Start.
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Search for the problematic app, right-click the top result, and choose the âOpen folder locationâ option.
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Right-click the app executable file and select the Properties option.
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Click the Compatibility tab.
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Under the âCompatibility modeâ section, check the âRun this program in compatibility mode forâ option.
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Choose the version of Windows that the application supports, such as Windows 8, 7, or Vista.
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Click the Apply button.
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Click the OK button.
After you complete the steps, the compatibility settings will apply to resolve the problem with the legacy application.
Itâs important to note that in the âCompatibilityâ tab, under the âSettingsâ section, you will find additional advanced settings that will apply to specific scenarios. Usually, you will only change these settings when dealing with a very old application.
The âReduce color modeâ option allows you to change the bit color to 8 or 16, depending on the applicationâs requirements if it doesnât support 32-bit color.
If the program was designed for a specific screen resolution, you might need to check the âRun in 640 x 480 screen resolutionâ option.
In the case that the problem happens when using the app in full-screen mode, you can try checking the âDisable fullscreen optimizationsâ option.
Some applications require administrative privileges to run without issues. If this is the case, instead of having to allow the app every time you run it, you can check the âRun this program as an administratorâ option.
You can learn more about the ICC color management setting in this guide.
Finally, if you are dealing with high DPI problems on a specific application, click the âChange high DPI settingsâ button. And then, check the âUse this setting to fix scaling problems for this program instead of the one in Settingsâ option. Choose when to apply the settings when logging in or opening the application.
Also, change the âOverride high DPI scaling behaviorâ option to âApplication,â âSystem,â or âSystem (Enhanced).â
When changing these settings, itâs better to apply one option at a time and test until you arrive at the correct configuration since no specific configuration will address the problem.
Change app compatibility mode with troubleshooter on Windows 11
To run the troubleshooter to compatibility issues with an app on Windows 11, use these steps:
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Open Settings.
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Click on System.
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Click the Troubleshoot tab.
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Click the Other troubleshooters setting.
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Click the Run button for the âProgram Compatibility Troubleshooterâ setting.
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Click the Advanced option.
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Click the âRun as administratorâ option.
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Select the application from the list.
Quick note: If the app isnât on the list, select the âNot listedâ option and continue with the on-screen directions or use the previous instructions to complete the task manually.
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Click the Next button.
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Click the âTry recommended settingsâ option.
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Click the âTest the programâ button to see if the compatibility mode fixes the problem.
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Click the Next button if the app is working correctly.
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Click the âYes, save these settings for this programâ option.
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Click the Close button.
Once you complete the steps, the troubleshooter will apply the new compatibility settings, allowing you to run the application even if it wasnât designed for Windows 11.