Is it possible to run software on Win 10 from older Win versions

trinaz · 24 Dec 2019

I have an old licensed design program that is from/for Windows 98....is it possible to run this on my current Windows 10 version in some way ??

If not what are my options or possibilities (if any) to use this program in today's PC world ??

Thanks...TRinAz

Current Windows Version (1909 OS Build 18363.535)

Brink · 24 Dec 2019

Hello TRinAz,

It really just depends on the specific program if it will or not. Often, they will run just fine on Windows 10.

When they don't, you could try using compatibility mode for the app with the Windows the program supports selected.

Change Compatibility Mode Settings for Apps in Windows 10

Old 16-bit programs will not run in Windows 10, old DOS based programs may not, and some old games may have issues.

Bree · 24 Dec 2019

trinaz said:

I have an old licensed design program that is from/for Windows 98....is it possible to run this on my current Windows 10 version in some way ??
...Current Windows Version (1909 OS Build 18363.535)

Most older software will run in Windows 10. It may work best in compatabilty mode, if so Windows should set that automatically for you when you first run it. But it must be 32-bit software if you have 64-bit W10. If it's 16-bit software it will only run on 32-bit W10.

I have a copy of PaintShop Pro v7 from 2001 that I use regularly in W10 v1909.

Samuria · 24 Dec 2019

You always have the option to run it on 98 in a free virtual PC like virtual box

Steve C · 25 Dec 2019

Most old software works fine. Run the installer program from an admin account as an administrator using the compatibility mode for which the program was designed. You can always use a virtual machine from within Windows 10 if the program fails to install and work.

I still use Microsoft Money 2005 which is excellent for managing finances. I will despair if this ever fails to work but I have checked it runs fine in a Windows XP Hyper V VM under Windows 10.

trinaz · 25 Dec 2019

Thanks guys...hit a snag that might not be solvable...my main Windows PC is 64 bit...the older program I want to install is 32 bit ?? Any way around this to get my old Autocad program on this current 64bit particular PC...(is there such a thing as 32bit compatibility mode) or will this program ONLY run on a 32 bit windows system...AKA...am I screwed on this ??

Brink · 25 Dec 2019

32-bit programs can run on both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows, so this should not be an issue with compatibility.

64-bit programs can only run on 64-bit Windows.

Are you seeing any error messages?

Steve C · 26 Dec 2019

trinaz said:

Thanks guys...hit a snag that might not be solvable...my main Windows PC is 64 bit...the older program I want to install is 32 bit ?? Any way around this to get my old Autocad program on this current 64bit particular PC...(is there such a thing as 32bit compatibility mode) or will this program ONLY run on a 32 bit windows system...AKA...am I screwed on this ??

No problem running 32 programs on 64 bit Windows e.g. MS usually advise installing the 32 bit version of Office unless you have a need to process extremely large files.