Apps Enable or Disable Run App in Compatibility Mode in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable always running an app in compatibility mode for your account or all users in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Most apps (and other programs, like games or utilities) that were created for earlier versions of Windows will work in the most recent version of Windows 11, but some older ones might run poorly or not at all.

You can use compatibility mode to run the program using settings from an earlier version of Windows. Try this setting if you know the program is designed for (or worked with) a specific version of Windows.

Reference:

You cannot use compatibility mode for Microsoft Store apps.

Compatibility mode settings per app are saved to the registry keys below:

(current user)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Layers

OR

(all users)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Layers

1 Right click or press and hold on the executable file (ex: EXE, MSI) or shortcut for the app, and click/tap on Properties.

2 Do step 3 (enable) or step 4 (disable) below for what you want.

This is the default setting.

You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option.

1 Right click or press and hold on the executable file (ex: EXE, MSI) or shortcut for the app, and click/tap on Properties.

2 Click/tap on the Compatibility tab. (see screenshot below step 3)

3 Click/tap on the Change settings for all users button. (see screenshot below)


4 Do step 5 (enable) or step 6 (disable) below for what you want.

This will override and prevent users from using Option One.

This is the default setting, and will allow users to use Option One.

7 Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)



That's it,
Shawn Brink