We have to admit that purchasing a new computer is always fun. The thrill of exploring its more modern features when it’s fresh out of the box is uncomparable. However, upgrading to the latest operating system can have its downsides for some. If you’re an avid gamer, sometimes it’s sad to realize your beloved old programs are no longer compatible with your most recent acquisition. What a bummer! Right? Fortunately, we have the solution to your problems.
Running Older Games on Windows 10
If you own games that are older than ten years and you refuse to give them up, you’re probably facing the challenge of getting them to work on a new PC. These relics can’t be updated, which makes it extremely hard to keep using them with the most modern devices. Lucky for you, there are numerous tools out there that will help you achieve your goal. Before you know it, you’ll be able to play your favorite childhood games on Windows 10.
The Compatibility Mode is Here to Save the Day!
Windows 10 comes with a convenient compatibility mode, an inner mechanism that enables this modern operating system to imitate the earlier versions of itself. This feature gives you the alternative to pick the previous variation of Windows in which you’d like to run your game. It’s like your own inbuilt time machine! Here’s how to use it:
- Right-click on the game icon.
- Click on the Properties option.
- Navigate to the Compatibility tab in the pop-up menu.
- Check the Compatibility Mode box.
- Choose your preferred version of Windows from the dropdown menu beneath.
In some cases, Windows can automatically detect how old the game you’re trying to play is. Windows 10 will let you set your compatibility mode as far back as Windows 95. Keep in mind that this method won’t always work, as it’s not a foolproof plan. If you want to revisit the classic DOS games, you’re definitely in for extra hurdles.
When the Compatibility Mode Fails
As we mentioned earlier, using the compatibility mode is not a foolproof method. There are some very specific reasons why older games won’t run on your new computer, even when using this helpful tool:
- Windows 10 no longer supports 16-bit programs.
- Your game might depend on old Windows that the newer operating systems no longer include.
- No version of Windows after XP runs over DOS.
Fortunately, nowadays, several third-party applications will help you fix these problems. Just keep in mind that when attempting to using them, you might need to turn off some Windows features, and this is not always a good idea.
In recent years, some developers have released remastered and fully compatible versions of older games. However, this means you’ll need to purchase a second copy of a game you already own, which might defeat the whole purpose for you. On the bright side, by buying modernized software, you won’t have to download potentially malicious apps that might ruin your new computer’s settings.
If most of your games are on a disk or a hard drive, you can always resort to good old DOSBox to install them the old-fashioned way. These DOS emulators can support dozens of games dated from the late ’80s to the early ’90s. How cool is that? As you can see, there are plenty of alternatives for you to evoke some childhood nostalgia.
Want More Options?
Since its beginnings in the early ’90s, we’ve known Windows for providing us with some of the most popular computer games in the history of software development. The first versions of this famous operating system included several highly entertaining programs in the installation kit. Who didn’t play Chess, Hearts, FreeCell, Pinball, Minesweeper, or our old-time favorite, Solitaire? Sadly, these fantastic time killers no longer come installed by default since 2012.
You might be missing the thrill of watching your cards dance across the screen after winning a Klondike game. If that’s the case, return to the good old days and play Classic Solitaire for Windows 10 online today! This version runs directly from your browser, so it works on everything!
