Software ran on Win 7 not compatible With 10

I am a relative newbie with Win 10 with many years experience with Win 7 and its predecessors. So, I have lots of software accumulated through the years.

Why does so much of it simply not install on Windows Ten? Even though I select various troubleshooting tasks when it won't load, indicating it worked well on 7?

Thanks in advance for reading this, and especially if you decide to answer.

When changing to a new OS there is always a chance that older software will not run!
But most should!
What version of Windows 7 did you own (32 or 64 bit), and what version of Windows 10 are you now running (PS: just noticed you are running W10 64 bit)?

It would be useful to know the names of the software you cannot get to install and run on W10, maybe someone here will know of a way to get it running?

I have plenty of Windows 7 version software running with no problem on Windows 10, even quite a few that first ran on Windows XP!

Willabong said:

When changing to a new OS there is always a chance that older software will not run!
But most should!
What version of Windows 7 did you own (32 or 64 bit), and what version of Windows 10 are you now running (PS: just noticed you are running W10 64 bit)?

It would be useful to know the names of the software you cannot get to install and run on W10, maybe someone here will know of a way to get it running?

I have plenty of Windows 7 version software running with no problem on Windows 10, even quite a few that first ran on Windows XP!

My Win 7 system was a 64-bit. So is my new Win 10 system.

Brink said:

Hello BudParker, and welcome to Ten Forums.

If you haven't already, you might see if using Compatibility Mode with Windows 7 selected may allow the app to install.

Change Compatibility Mode Settings for Apps in Windows 10 | Tutorials

It appears I have joined the right Forum. I do believe you have pointed me in the right direction to resolve this minor dilemma.

Let me say, "Thanks!" Just in case you don't hear that often.

Be sure to run the setup program for your software from an admin account as an administrator and use a compatibility mode consistent with the version of Windows the program was designed for.

If that doesn't work, you should be able to run your old programs in a virtual machine for a previous version of Windows under Windows 10.

BudParker said:

Why does so much of it simply not install on Windows Ten?

It is not my experience. I am even amazed how much old software (15 years old) runs without problems, not needing the compatibility mode in W10. Of course, many free programmes or drivers have an update available. And for some not working programmes there are alternatives.

Steve C said:

Be sure to run the setup program for your software from an admin account as an administrator and use a compatibility mode consistent with the version of Windows the program was designed for.

If that doesn't work, you should be able to run your old programs in a virtual machine for a previous version of Windows under Windows 10.

Could you elaborate on Virtual Machine? How is that done?

BudParker said:

Could you elaborate on Virtual Machine? How is that done?

its a little complicated. You run a VM program like vbox vmware or I think windows has its own vm program too, and install the other OS inside of it. Then install the application in the other OS.

It adds to machine overhead. If you dont need to do this, dont bother. Getting your program to run in compatibility mode is much better.