How To Change Compatibility Mode In Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Home » How-To

5 min. read

Published on October 27, 2025

Fix Windows errors with Fortect:
Fortect can repair common computer errors by scanning your entire system for damaged or missing OS files and replacing them with the original, working versions. Optimize your PC in 3 simple steps:

Download and Install Fortect on your PC
Use the PC Scan feature to look up any Windows issues (including drivers)
Right-click on Repair, and fix it within a few minutes.

Besides that, it helps you clean up junk files, fix stability problems, and get rid of annoying programs and malware traces.

Compatibility Mode in Windows 11 allows you to run older applications that were designed for previous versions of Windows. This can be a lifesaver when you need to use a program that’s not fully compatible with the latest operating system. By adjusting the compatibility settings, you can often resolve issues such as crashes, display problems, or incorrect functionality.

This guide will walk you through the process of changing Compatibility Mode in Windows 11, providing clear, step-by-step instructions to ensure your older programs run smoothly. We’ll cover various settings and troubleshooting tips to help you get the best possible performance from your legacy software.

How Do I Enable Compatibility Mode in Windows 11?

Locating the Executable File or Shortcut

Before you can change the compatibility settings, you need to find the program’s executable file or shortcut.

Locate the program’s icon: This is usually found on your desktop or in the Start Menu.
Right-click the icon: A context menu will appear.
Select “Properties”: Click on “Properties” in the context menu. If you right-clicked a shortcut, you’ll see a “Open file location” that you can use to access the .exe file.

Accessing the Compatibility Tab

Once you have the Properties window open, navigate to the Compatibility tab.

Click on the “Compatibility” tab: This tab contains all the settings related to Compatibility Mode.

Configuring Compatibility Settings

Now, you can configure the Compatibility Mode settings to match the requirements of the program.

Check the “Run this program in compatibility mode for” box: This enables Compatibility Mode.
Select the appropriate Windows version: Choose the version of Windows that the program was designed for from the dropdown menu. Common choices include Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.
Adjust additional settings (optional):

Reduced color mode: If the program has display issues, try reducing the color mode to 8-bit or 16-bit.
Run in 640 x 480 screen resolution: This can help with programs that have problems displaying correctly on modern high-resolution screens.
Disable fullscreen optimizations: This setting can improve performance for some older games.
Run this program as an administrator: This gives the program elevated privileges, which may be necessary for certain functions.

Click “Apply” and then “OK”: This saves your changes.

Testing the Program

After applying the compatibility settings, it’s important to test the program to see if the changes have resolved the issues.

Launch the program: Double-click the program’s icon to start it.
Test the program’s functionality: Use the program as you normally would to see if the problems have been resolved.
Adjust settings if needed: If the program still has issues, try different compatibility settings until you find the configuration that works best.

Tips for Troubleshooting Compatibility Issues

Here are a few additional tips to help you troubleshoot compatibility issues:

Check the program’s documentation: The program’s manual or website may have specific instructions for running it on newer versions of Windows.
Search online forums: Other users may have encountered the same issues and found solutions.
Try different compatibility settings: Experiment with different Windows versions and settings to see what works best.
Update your drivers: Outdated drivers can sometimes cause compatibility issues. Make sure your graphics card, sound card, and other drivers are up to date.
Consider using a virtual machine: If you’re still having trouble, you can try running the program in a virtual machine with an older version of Windows installed.

Ensuring Smooth Operations With Older Software

By following these steps, you can often successfully run older programs in Windows 11 using Compatibility Mode. Remember to test different settings and consult online resources for additional help if needed.

FAQ

How do I find the program’s executable file? The executable file is usually located in the program’s installation directory. You can find it by right-clicking the program’s shortcut and selecting “Open file location.”

What if Compatibility Mode doesn’t work? Try different compatibility settings, update your drivers, or consider using a virtual machine.

Can Compatibility Mode fix all compatibility issues? No, Compatibility Mode cannot fix all compatibility issues. Some programs may simply not be compatible with newer versions of Windows.

Should I always run programs as an administrator? No, you should only run programs as an administrator if it’s necessary for them to function correctly. Running programs as an administrator can pose a security risk.

What Windows version should I choose in Compatibility Mode? Choose the version of Windows that the program was originally designed for. If you’re not sure, try Windows XP or Windows 7 first.

Compatibility Mode Settings Compared

Setting	Description	When to Use
Compatibility Mode	Runs the program as if it were running on an older version of Windows.	When the program was designed for an older version of Windows and doesn’t run correctly on Windows 11.
Reduced color mode	Limits the number of colors the program can use.	When the program has display issues, such as incorrect colors or flickering.
Run in 640 x 480 screen resolution	Runs the program in a low resolution.	When the program has problems displaying correctly on modern high-resolution screens.
Disable fullscreen optimizations	Disables certain optimizations that Windows uses to run fullscreen programs.	When the program has performance issues or display problems in fullscreen mode.
Run this program as an administrator	Gives the program elevated privileges.	When the program requires administrative privileges to function correctly, such as accessing system files or settings.

Running Legacy Programs Seamlessly

Compatibility Mode is a valuable tool for running older programs in Windows 11, ensuring that you can continue to use the software you rely on, even as technology advances. By understanding how to configure and troubleshoot Compatibility Mode, you can overcome many of the challenges associated with running legacy software on a modern operating system.