Can I transfer software from Vista to Win 10 via flash drive?

I have The Encyclopedia of Religion (pub'd 1990s) on a Vista laptop. I tried to use its CD to install it on my Windows 10 laptop (Dell Inspiron 5755), which has a disk drive, but the computer would not accept the program, it couldn't be installed. Is it possible for me to transfer the program with a flash drive, or will it just not work at all with Win 10? I had tried to add it to the Program files, but it required administrator permission, so I waited to learn more. In the meantime I placed it on the Desktop but did not try to open it. This encyclopedia is in a new edition now and expensive, so I would like to use it on the new laptop.

It depends on the program. Some are self contained, usually referred to as portable. Some rely upon installed or installing components into the Windows OS to operate. Nothing to lose by just trying to run the program from it's folder copied over. If it isn't self-contained it will either complain it needs some component installed or just crash.

NavyLCDR said:

It depends on the program. Some are self contained, usually referred to as portable. Some rely upon installed or installing components into the Windows OS to operate. Nothing to lose by just trying to run the program from it's folder copied over. If it isn't self-contained it will either complain it needs some component installed or just crash.

Thanks! I am a bit phobic about trying unfamiliar things...

sml156 said:

Have you tried to install the program in Compatibility mode

Have a look at this tutorial written by Brink on TenForums and run the setup program in compatibility mode.
Compatibility Mode Settings for Apps - Change in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

I appreciate the reply. I will check it out.