How to run old Windows games on Windows 10/11?
You’ve just bought a shiny new PC and want to play an old Windows game — but it won’t even start. Why? Because you’re running Windows 10 (or 11), while that game was designed for much older systems like Windows XP, Vista, or even the infamous Windows ME (yes, ME stands for Millennium Edition).
Back then, no one worried about compatibility with future operating systems that didn’t exist yet. So, the short answer to “How can I run this game on Windows 10?” is: it depends on the game.
Some games run perfectly on modern Windows.
Others need a little tweaking.And some are so old that they only work properly in a completely different system.
Before you give up, here are a few tricks you can try:
1. Run as Administrator
First, locate the game’s main executable file (.exe). Right-click it and choose Run as administrator. If it works, great! If not, move on.
2. Use the Compatibility Troubleshooter
Still in the game folder, right-click the same .exe and select Troubleshoot compatibility.
Windows will attempt to detect and fix common issues.
Follow the steps and test the program.
Try running the troubleshooter more than once, making different choices when prompted.
3. Try Compatibility Mode
If troubleshooting didn’t help, set compatibility manually:
Right-click the game’s .exe → Properties → Compatibility tab.
Tick Run this program in compatibility mode for.
Select an older version of Windows (try XP, 98, or Vista).
You’ll also see extra options here: reduced color mode, lower resolution, disable fullscreen optimizations, etc. Experiment with these settings — sometimes what fails automatically works when you configure it yourself.
4. Use a Virtual Machine
If the game still refuses to run, a Virtual Machine might be your best bet.
A VM lets you run a full copy of an older operating system (like Windows XP) inside a window on your desktop.
Tools like VirtualBox or VMware Player make this possible.
Once you’ve installed XP inside the VM, you can run your old games there with much higher compatibility.
For setup instructions, you’ll find plenty of tutorials online — the guides on How-To Geek are a good place to start.
5. Last Resort: GOG.com
If none of the above works, don’t lose hope. Some games simply won’t run on any modern Windows system.
In that case, check GOG.com. They specialize in reviving old PC games, patching and tweaking them so they work flawlessly on modern computers. Often, you can grab a fixed version for just a few dollars — and save yourself hours of frustration.