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Run older programs on Windows 10

Chuck Thomas 70 Reputation points
2025-07-03T14:07:46.0533333+00:00

I want to run an older program on Windows 10. It needs to run on Windows 8 or lower. On a previous computer I had a similar problem. I was able to put a Windows XP pocket on my computer where I could install and run that program. Is it possible to do something similar on Windows 10 so I can run this program? Thank you.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Apps

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  1. Solamillo Charity 20,260 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-07-03T14:44:48.31+00:00

    Hello there! I am Charity. I'm glad to help you today!

    May I ask what is the application that you are trying to run? Normally, running the app on compatiblity mode should work.

    1. Right-click the program’s .exe file.
    2. Select Properties

    Go to the Compatibility tab.

    Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and choose Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7/8.

    1. Click Apply, then OK.

    But, if above steps didn't work, please let me know what specific application that you are trying to run. If it's older, you can use a VM, or DosBox, but please let me know if the above steps work first.

    Kind Regards,

    Charity

    Please note that things might need more than one reply to completely resolve your issue, as it will completely depend on the complexity of the question and the amount of detail that you have provided me.

    7 people found this answer helpful.
  2. Solamillo Charity 20,260 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-07-04T23:31:24.95+00:00

    Thank you for the detailed information. I would've suggested that you use Hyper-V, but I see that you have a Home edition. Unfortunately, XP mode was removed in Windows 10. If you want to proceed in VM mehod, I would recommend VirtualBox, or VMware. (Third party applications)

    Please let me know how you want to proceed.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Chuck Thomas 70 Reputation points
    2025-07-03T15:12:31.83+00:00

    Hi, I tried your method and it already had it listed as running in COMPATIBILTY MODE WINDOWS 7. I tried it with different Windows versions. I tried running it through the compatibility troubleshooter and no success. The program is a game TURTLE ODYSSEY 2. The developer BIG FISH GAMES no longer supports this game, so I was not able to get a newer version.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Chuck Thomas 70 Reputation points
    2025-07-03T15:34:45.6933333+00:00

    I remember the program from my older computer it was called XP MODE. It acted like a folder that was like having an XP operating system in that folder. I could load programs in this folder and run them when they would be incompatible with the main operating system. Is there any kind of program like XP MODE for WINDOWS 10 so I run this program in earlier programs like Win 7/8, Win Vista, etc.? Thank you.

    2 people found this answer helpful.