Windows 7 - Compatibility Mode

**Brink** · **Setting** **Description**

How to Run a Program in Compatibility Mode in Windows 7

Information

Compatibility mode allows a older program written for an earlier versions of Windows to possibly run in Windows 7. You can also use Compatibility mode to always have a program to Run as an administrator.

Tip

If changing the Compatibility settings does not fix the problem, go to the program manufacturer's website to see if there is an update for the program.

To see if your software is compatible with Windows 7, check it here: Windows 7 Compatibility Center home

Warning

Do not use Compatibility mode on older antivirus programs, disk utilities, or other system programs because it might cause data loss or create a security risk.

RELATED LINKS:

Here's How:

Warning

If you have use a hack to remove the Windows 7 watermark on the lower right corner of the desktop, then it may cause Compatibility Mode to no longer work properly or at all. I would not recommend using such a hack. To fix this, you will need to do a System Restore using a restore point dated before you applied the patch. If you can't do a System Restore, then you will need to do a Repair Install instead.

1. Right click on the program's shortcut, .exe file, or installation program.

2. Click on Properties.

3. Click on the Compatibility tab. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: If the Compatiblity options are grayed out, then it is a 64 bit program and cannot be changed.

4. To Run a Program in Compatibility Mode -
NOTE: 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.
A) Check the Run this program in compatibility mode for box. (See screenshot below)

B) Click on the drop down menu arrow and select which version of Windows the program was made for. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: Always pick the latest Windows version the program was written for to have a better chance of it running properly in Windows 7.

Warning

MSI files (right screenshot below) will only have the Previous version of Windows option available for it. This option will allow Windows 7 to automatically use the previous version compatibility mode it thinks is best for the MSI file to run properly as. You will not be able to do steps 5 and 6 below.

5. To Change the Settings for a Program -
A) Check or uncheck the settings you want for the program. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: See the table below the screenshot for a description of each setting.

Setting Description
Run in 256 colors 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 graphical user interface appears jagged or is rendered improperly.
Disable visual themes Disables themes on the program. Try this setting if you notice problems with the menus or buttons on the title bar of the program.
Disable desktop composition Turns off transparency and other advanced display features. Choose this setting if window movement appears erratic or you notice other display problems.
Disable display scaling on high DPI settings Turns off automatic resizing of programs if large-scale font size (DPI) is in use. Try this setting if large-scale fonts are interfering with the appearance of the program.
6. To Change the Privilege Level of a Program -
NOTE: Runs the program as an administrator. Some programs require administrator privileges to run properly. If you are not currently logged on as an administrator, this option is not available.
A) Check or uncheck the Run this program as an administrator box to enable or disable this option. (See screenshot below)

7. To Change All of These Settings Above for All Users -
NOTE: Lets you choose settings that will apply to all users on this computer.
A) Click on the Change settings for all users button. (See screenshot below)

B) Repeat steps 4, 5, and 6 in this window to apply them to all users on the computer. (See screenshot below)

C) Click on OK.

8. Click on OK to apply the changes. (See screenshot below step 3)

That's it,
Shawn

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**jotacorredor** · 08-03-2009

thanks, just installed Windows 7 yestarday and I was having trouble setting up my printer at work. Follow your instructions and it worked perfect.

**Brink** · 08-03-2009

You're welcome Jotacorredor, and welcome to Seven Forums.

TTalma · 08-06-2009

I am using Windows 7 ultimate RC1. When I go to use compatibility mode to install Photostory 3 it does not give the same dropdown options shown in your tuorial windows. It only says "previous version of windows", and no other choice. And the program does not install.

I also tried the wizard and it says something like "disabled version check". But it still doesn't install.

I have found numerous sites and pictures on the web of people running photostory 3 on thier Windows 7 machines and installed it and run it using the steps above.

How do I make the OS options show up for campatibility mode?

Thanks, -Tim

**Brink** · 08-06-2009

Hello Tim, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Are you sure that you are doing this to the installation/setup file?

Could you post a screenshot of this? It may help determine what may be wrong.

Shawn

TTalma · 08-06-2009

Here is a pic of what I see when I select the installer.

I was expecting to see the list of past windows OS's like in your tutorial. I have a hunch that this is trying to run in vista mode, which it won't work in either. But it runs fine on my other machine with XP on it.

**Brink** · 08-06-2009

Tim,

After some research on this, MSI files only have this option available. Instead of letting you choose what previos version of Windows to run the MSI file in compatibily mode as, it has Windows 7 automatically select what it thinks is best for it instead.

It just doesn't seem like it is going to be compatible. You might see if there may be an update for it that addresses this.

**Jimbowayne** · 11-04-2009

I have been running Windows 7 Enterprise for quite some time now and I recieved a call from a friend in a different state. She just got a new PC from a local computer shop and is trying to get some of her old programs to work with Windows 7 Home Premium. When I asked her to right click on the program Icon and go to properties, the compatibility tab is not there.

After reading up a little more on the different Windows 7 operating systems, it looks like it should be available. I am having trouble finding why its not there.

Any Ideas?

**Zidane24** · 11-04-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by Jimbowayne

I have been running Windows 7 Enterprise for quite some time now and I recieved a call from a friend in a different state. She just got a new PC from a local computer shop and is trying to get some of her old programs to work with Windows 7 Home Premium. When I asked her to right click on the program Icon and go to properties, the compatibility tab is not there.

After reading up a little more on the different Windows 7 operating systems, it looks like it should be available. I am having trouble finding why its not there.

Any Ideas?

If it is a Windows Installer than that option isn't available

**mitchell64** · 11-15-2009

Hi all & thank you for the tutorial Shawn, If i have a program already installed can i just change the compatibility mode of the program or do i need to reinstall it and apply compatibility mode to the installer?

And if i have an old program (say 2007) should i just use compatibilty mode when i install it because it is that old (worked fine on Vista SP2) or try installing it normally?