What is program compatibility?

Applies to all editions of Windows Vista. Which edition of Windows Vista am I using?

Program compatibility is a mode in Windows that lets you run programs written for earlier versions of Windows. Most programs written for Windows XP also work in this version of Windows, but some older programs might run poorly or not run at all. If an older program doesn't run correctly, start the Program Compatibility Wizard to simulate earlier versions of Windows.

Open the Program Compatibility Wizard by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Programs, and then clicking Use an older program with this version of Windows.

Do not use the Program Compatibility Wizard on older antivirus programs, disk utilities, or other system programs, because it might cause data loss or create a security risk.

See also

• Make older programs run in this version of Windows
• Find Windows-compatible programs