Most of the apps that worked on Windows 7 will almost certainly work on Windows 10. But there are exceptions, and in today’s article we’ll look at ways to run older apps on Windows 10 if they won’t start.

Run as administrator

Many applications developed for Windows XP will work on modern versions of Windows, but there is one change to consider. XP users often used their computer as an administrator all the time. Applications were written to run only under an administrator, otherwise an error would crash.

If the old application does not start, first try running it as administrator. Right-click on the application shortcut or the exe launch file and select “Run as administrator”.

If after these steps the application starts, you can configure it to always start as an administrator. Right-click on it and select “Properties” => go to the “Compatibility” tab => check the box “Run this program as administrator”, then click “OK”.

Compatibility settings

As with other versions of Windows, Windows 10 has compatibility options that allow you to customize older applications to work properly. Right-click on the shortcut or executable file of the exe program and select “Properties” => go to the “Compatibility” tab => in this window you can simply click on “Run the compatibility troubleshooter” and use the wizard to configure the application.

Also, if this program works on XP but does not run on Windows 10 – in the compatibility tab, check the box “Run this program in compatibility mode with:” and select from the list Windows XP, or another system on which application worked. Even in the compatibility window, you can use the reduced color mode, disable scaling, change the screen resolution for this program. Try different settings, most likely the program will start and work with Windows 10.

Unsigned drivers

64-bit versions of Windows require digitally signed drivers. 32-bit Windows usually do not require this, but 32-bit Windows 10 running on a new UEFI PC may require signed drivers. This improves security and stability by protecting your system from malicious or unstable drivers. It is recommended to install unsigned drivers only if you are 100% sure of their safety.

If old software needs unsigned drivers – you need to use a special kind of Windows boot in order to use them.

Games that require SafeDisc and SecuROM DRM

Microsoft has removed support for SafeDisc and SecuROM DRM, citing security concerns. Even in Windows 8 and 7, after a system update, games requiring SafeDisc and SecuROM DRM will not start. But if in Windows 7 and 8 you can use the command sc start secdrv turn on the drivers again, then in Windows 10 this option is not available.

The only tips for those looking to run games that require SafeDisc and SecuROM DRM on Windows 10:

1. Go to the website of the manufacturer of this game and see the availability of updates, some manufacturers have released patches for games, having downloaded and installed which will disappear the need for SafeDisc and SecuROM DRM;
2. Some games can download a No-CD, it is used for pirated games, and some say potentially dangerous. But still, many users use it and everything starts up fine for them;
3. Download a more modern version of the game ?
4. Install a virtual machine, and run games in it.

Virtual machines for older software

In any operating system, including Windows 10, you can install a virtual machine, and install any other operating system in it. And if some applications do not start, you can run them in a virtual machine.

Select any virtual machine => install the required operating system in it => and start it when you need to use old software that does not work in a modern version of Windows.

DOS and Windows 3.1 applications

DOSBox allows you to run old DOS applications (primarily DOS games) in a window on your desktop.

Windows 3.1 was basically a DOS application. This means you can install Windows 3.1 in DOSBox and run old applications 3.1 16-bit Windows in DOSBox

Websites requiring Java, Silverlight, ActiveX, or Internet Explorer

Windows 10 uses the new Microsoft Edge as its default browser. Edge does not include support for Java, ActiveX, Silverlight, or other technologies. Chrome has also dropped support for NPAPI plugins like Java and Silverlight.

To use older web applications that require these technologies – launch the Internet Explorer browser (still included with Windows 10 for compatibility reasons – it still supports ActiveX content). In addition, you can work with Java and Silverlight in Mozilla Firefox.

Internet Explorer can be launched from the Start menu. You can also open the menu in Microsoft Edge, and select “Open with Internet Explorer” to open the web page directly in Internet Explorer.

Maybe if the old application does not work on Windows 10 – is it time to look for a more modern replacement for it? In any case, these options for launching old applications should help you, if you know other ways – write comments! Good luck ?