What is Program Compatibility Troubleshooter in Windows 11? How to use it?
Program Compatibility Shooter is a Windows tool that helps you troubleshoot application compatibility issues.
4 Ways to Run Program Compatibility Troubleshooter on Windows
Just because a developer built an application for an older version of Windows doesn't mean you can't run it on a newer version of the operating system. Through Compatibility Mode, you can easily run older programs without any problems most of the time.
However, if you do run into compatibility issues, don’t worry. Windows has a built-in tool that can help you diagnose and fix them easily. It’s called the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter, and this article will show you all the different ways you can run it.
1. Run Program Compatibility Troubleshooter using the context menu
The easiest way to run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter on Windows 10 is to simply right-click on the app and select Troubleshoot compatibility . If you're on Windows 11, you'll first have to click Show more options after right-clicking on the app to bring back the classic context menu, then select Troubleshoot compatibility .
This will immediately launch the tool and help you fix any compatibility issues you are having with the selected application.
2. Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter on the Troubleshoot page
Both Windows 10 and 11 have a Troubleshooting page in the Settings app where you can launch the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter. If you can't access the Troubleshooting page because the Settings app isn't working, read our guide on how to fix Windows Settings won't open .
On Windows 11
To run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter from Settings on Windows 11, start by pressing Win + I to open the Settings app. Next, click System on the left menu, then click Troubleshoot on the right.
On the Troubleshoot page , scroll down and click Other troubleshooters .
Scroll down to the Other section , find Program Compatibility Troubleshooter from the list of troubleshooters, then click the Run button next to it.
This will launch the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.
On Windows 10
If you're using Windows 10, press Win + I to open the Settings app , then click Update & Security . Next, click Troubleshoot on the left menu, then click Additional troubleshooters on the right.
Find and click Program Compatibility Troubleshooter to expand it. Then, click the Run this troubleshooter button .
Now, you can use the tool to fix compatibility issues on Windows 10.
3. Run Program Compatibility Troubleshooter using Control Panel
Another way to launch the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter is through the Control Panel. To do so, start by pressing Win + S to open Windows Search, type control panel into the search box, and then click Control Panel in the search results.
Tip : You can also read our guide on how to open Control Panel on Windows for more methods of launching programs.
In Control Panel , select Programs , and then click the Run programs made for previous versions of Windows link .
This will launch the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.
4. Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter using the desktop shortcut
If you use the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter a lot, adding it to your desktop is a good way to keep it handy. To do so, right-click an empty space on your desktop, then click New > Shortcut to launch the Create Shortcut wizard .
Copy the text below:
%systemroot%\system32\msdt.exe -id PCWDiagnosticNext, paste the text you just copied into the Create Shortcut wizard's text box, then click Next .
Name the shortcut Program Compatibility Troubleshooter , then click Finish to add the shortcut to the desktop.
Now when you double click on the newly created shortcut, you will launch the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.
The Program Compatibility Troubleshooter is sometimes the last resort to get older applications running on your current version of Windows. There are several ways to launch this handy tool, and this article has just shown you all of them in case one of them doesn’t work for you.
How to hide and show files in Windows 11 without software
If you are looking for a way to hide files on Windows 11 without software, just follow the instructions below.
How to turn off hard drive when not in use on Windows 11
If your computer has an SSD and an HDD, you can turn off the hard drive after a period of inactivity.
How to change DNS to surf the web faster, increase Internet speed
Changing DNS on Windows has many benefits, such as: Accessing some blocked websites, speeding up internet connection, improving network stability. Below is how to change DNS on Windows 10, Windows 7 and other Windows versions. In the last part of the article, WebTech360 will talk a little about why changing DNS helps speed up the internet.
How to Create a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to Prank Your Friends
Blue screen of death (BSOD) is a common and not new error of Windows when the computer is experiencing some serious system error.
Summary of common Run CMD commands
Instead of performing manual and direct access operations on Windows, we can replace them with available CMD commands for faster access.
Try these Wi-Fi tips while on vacation to reduce roaming costs!
Coming home to expensive data roaming charges probably isn't what you want. Luckily, there are some handy ways to cut those roaming costs.
How to fix network adapter not found error on Windows 10
Many people have encountered the problem of network adapter disappearing from Device Manager or receiving a missing network adapter message. This article will guide you on how to fix the missing network adapter driver problem on Windows 10.
How to delete individual system restore points in Windows
Windows automatically creates system restore points up to a set limit, leaving you with dozens of restore points you never use.
Must-Have Windows Desktop Visual Enhancement Tools
If you're tired of staring at the same interface every day, these tools will enhance your desktop experience.
Windows 11 wont respect your privacy until you make these changes!
Windows 11 has a reputation for being a privacy-poor operating system, with many default settings that can cause privacy problems. But don't worry - there are ways to regain some control in this area.
How to View All Accounts on Windows 11
On Windows 11, checking all the accounts on your computer can be useful in many cases. Here is a guide to view all accounts on Windows 11.
Learn about dark web tracking service F-Secure ID Protection
Many people never considered the dark web a real threat until one of their favorite services issued a warning about a data breach.
Fix error of not being able to open Windows Security on Windows 11
This article will help you fix the error Windows Security cannot run on Windows 11.
12 Most Useful PowerShell Commands for Windows
Most IT admins use PowerShell for scripting and automation, but it's not just for IT pros—anyone who deals with messy folders needs these commands.
12 Best Custom PC Building Websites
Building a custom PC is no easy task, especially for beginners. Luckily, there is plenty of help available on the Internet.