Seeking tool on Windows7 to check program-compatibility with Windows10

HedgeToaster · 15 Jul 2019

Hello,

with my 7-year old Windows 7 PC slowly breaking down, I'm seeking to buy a new PC; but first, I gotta know if all my important programs will still work with Windows 10.

So I'm looking for the compatibility report tool that can scan my current Windows 7 PC and tell me which of my programs might (not) work properly on Windows 10, even the eccentric old or "indie developed" ones that aren't in any "compatibility lists" online and haven't gotten updated in 15 years.

I know Microsoft used to offer a tool like this when Windows 10 first came out, but now I can't find it.

Only tools I found go straight to "install windows 10 on this PC / prepare Windows 10 installation files on a USB-stick".

Since program compatibility heavily influences what kind of PC I will buy, I kinda need to know this in advance.

(I.e., if I'm going to have to bend over backwards trying to find a PC that can still run Windows 7 as a secondary OS, or if a VM will suffice. If it's a program I use constantly, requiring the VM to run "24/7", thus needing to buy a PC with more RAM to be able to compensate for the overhead, etc. -_-^# )

As a side-question, what about "feature updates"? When buying a Windows 10 PC, do I have to live in constant fear that one day it'll suddenly say "yeah, remember your old drawing and animation software? They're incompatible now. Also, you need to buy a new tablet."?

Quite frankly, the prospect of "feature" updates are the biggest turn-off of Windows 10 for me. For all I know, 5 years from now, programs or hardware I've used for years might suddenly stop working! That sounds terrifying!

clam1952 · 15 Jul 2019

Safer to ask about the specific programs, Microsoft did have an upgrade tool that listed what wouldn't work in Win10, however every thing it said wouldn't, here did on upgrading, Installing on one or two old programs needed run as Win7 just on the installer.

Ztruker · 15 Jul 2019

with my 7-year old Windows 7 PC slowly breaking down, I'm seeking to buy a new PC; but first, I gotta know if all my important programs will still work with Windows 10.

Since your old Win 7 computer is dying, what difference does it make if the old programs run or not, you will still have to upgrade to a new computer.

Also, unless you have the original install media you will not be able to reinstall them on Windows 10 without the use of paid for software (I don't remember the names but I'm sure others will).

Here is my suggestion, probably needs work:

How sick is the Win 7 computer. If it's still usable, you could create an image backup to an external hard drive using Macrium Reflect Free then upgrade it to Windows 10 which you can still do for free even though it's no longer advertised.

If that works then you could just copy the upgraded C: drive to a new Windows 10 system replacing what is there (after making an image backup of it first of course) and it will most likely boot and run okay, That will give you Windows 10 on new hardware with all or most of your old programs still installed. How many of them will run I have no idea.

das10 · 16 Jul 2019

For any particular program for which you need any extra re-assurance you can try the following link ( although there may be no guarantees that those programs will work forever in Windows 10 ) ;

https://developer.microsoft.com/en-u...-for-windows#/

eg: results for ACDSee versions ( look for adoption status )

https://developer.microsoft.com/en-u...See&searchBy=3

Personally, as others above have said, it would be best to move on to Windows 10 and seek out the best alternatives for the programs that you "can't live without".

x509 · 16 Jul 2019

Ztruker said:

Since your old Win 7 computer is dying, what difference does it make if the old programs run or not, you will still have to upgrade to a new computer.

Also, unless you have the original install media you will not be able to reinstall them on Windows 10 without the use of paid for software (I don't remember the names but I'm sure others will).

Here is my suggestion, probably needs work:

How sick is the Win 7 computer. If it's still usable, you could create an image backup to an external hard drive using Macrium Reflect Free then upgrade it to Windows 10 which you can still do for free even though it's no longer advertised.

If that works then you could just copy the upgraded C: drive to a new Windows 10 system replacing what is there (after making an image backup of it first of course) and it will most likely boot and run okay, That will give you Windows 10 on new hardware with all or most of your old programs still installed. How many of them will run I have no idea.

I just used a Laplink product to move programs, user settings, configurations, etc. from an old Win 10 desktop to a new Win 10 laptop. Aside from MS Office, and security software which Laplink excludes, everything else transferred OK. It's not a panacea, but it saved me lots of time watching installers run.

zbook · 16 Jul 2019

Windows may create Panther logs that have compatibility information for both hardware and software.

It would require launching: Windows 10 Setup Program (not all computers have this option)

"On a PC that is eligible for the free upgrade offer, you can use the "Get Windows 10" app and choosing the "Check your upgrade status". The report will be displayed within the app showing issues in separate categories for devices and apps that would have potential issues."

Some of these logs may have codes and messages that are ambiguous.

Problems with Windows 7 may be able to be troubleshooted in our sister forum:
Windows 7 Help Forums

Update the specs in the "My Computer" section:

System Specs - Fill in at Ten Forums
In the left corner below in your post you find 'My System Specs'.
After clicking it you can find a link a little below that says 'Update your System Spec', click on this link to get to the page where you can fill in your system specs.
System Info - See Your System Specs - Windows 7 Help Forums

Include PSU. cooler, case, peripherals and anything attached to the computer by wired or wireless (mouse, keyboard, headset, printer, xbox, USB wireless network card, etc.)