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How to run Windows XP games on Windows 10
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Windows 10might easily be the latest and greatest operating system Microsoft has ever come up with. And there are solid reasons for it to be so referred to given the excellent set of features it comes with. Unfortunately, even those do not seem to be enough when it comes to expressing our love for thegood old Windows XP.
That also is the reason why we might still be hanging on to thatold Windows XP gameCD that we spent our teen years playing; and will love to relive those moments all over again in the age ofWindows 10. Fortunately, that isn’t overtly impossible either though it can be tricky.
Mentioned here are a few steps you can follow to run your oldWindows XPgames inWindows 10though it might not be applicable for all games. It’s worth trying though.
How to play Windows XP games on Windows 10
Run as Administrator
This will be a good first step to try, one that also is the simplest. The logic behind it is simple too, since nearly all users were accorded the status of an administrator onWindows XP, try running theWindows XPgame as an administrator and see if this works.
The same isn’t applicable by default inWindows 10what with all the advanced security features it comes with though here is how you can still do it. Simplyright-clickon theexecutable fileof theWindows XPgame and selectRun as Administrator.
Follow on-screen instructions thereafter.
Use the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
— RELATED:7 free antimalware tools for Windows XP to protect your old PC
This is how you letWindows 10decide on the best compatibility setting to adopt when attempting to run the file. Here are the steps:
The troubleshooter will ask you if you are able to run the application to your satisfaction.
SelectingYes, save these settings for this programwill mark the end of the troubleshooting process.
However, if the troubleshooting fails and you selectNo, try again using different settingswill land you in a different section where you will be provided with different reasons explaining the cause of the failure. Make your choice and clickNext. Follow on-screen instructions thereafter.
— RELATED:5 PC optimization software for Windows XP to use in 2019
Run Windows XP games in Compatibility Mode for Windows 10
Windows 10 comes with yet another option for running outdated programs wherein you can manually change the compatibility settings. Here is how you do it:
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Press theWindows keyand type your game’s name in the search box.
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In the search result shown,right clickon theapplication nameand selectOpen file location.
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In thefile location, you will see all the files that run the game.Right clickon the.exe fileand selectProperties.
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In theProperties window, selectCompatibilitytab.
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Click on theRun this program in compatibility modecheck box.
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SelectWindows XPfrom the drop-down box underneath.
7. Under theSettingsection, there are a few more options to further improve your chances of making the program run effectively. Select those and see if it helps. It is sort of a trial-and-error process and will require several attempts before coming to a stable configuration.
9.Click onApply>OKto finish and save changes.
Virtual Machine
This can be considered as a zone within yourWindows 10where you can run programs meant forWindowsXP. Or it is like aWindows XPsection withinWindows 10. However, you will need a validWindows XPlicenseto successfully create a virtual machine capable of running programs meant for the version of Windows.
For this, you will need to download a virtual machine likeVirtualBoxorVMware Playerand install the same on your PC. Follow on-screen instructions and enter theXPlicencewhen prompted. Try and see if you are able to run theWindows XPgame you are so infatuated with.
We hope that you were able to successfully play your beloved games from Windows XP on Windows 10 using our solutions.
Let us know which method worked best for you!
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More about the topics:Windows 10 Guides,windows XP
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
