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How to Play Old PC Games on Windows 11
Learn to run your favorite old games on the newest OS
5 min. read
Updated onFebruary 28, 2024
updated onFebruary 28, 2024
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Key notes
As most of you know, Windows 11 is here and has some great new features and improvements. After conducting a series of research, we discovered that some of you want to discover how to play old games on Windows 11.
Fortunately, consider that most of your games will work without any problem on the newest OS, and you can run them not so different from how you used to in Windows 10.
For more information onhow to play old PC games on Windows 10, check out our dedicated article. To find out the best options for Windows 11, make sure you go through all the presented information.
What do old games look like on Windows 11?
Considering its gaming improvements, Windows 11 offers you a chunk of new visualfeatures, which are a bit more different than what we were used to in the previous Microsoft versions.
Thus, Windows 11 changes show rounded corners across most UI elements. Moreover, you can benefit from a much more lively user interface.
Not to mention itslots of animationsand sounds, which will surely make a massive difference in your virtual environment.
From what producers say, the mission of Windows 11 design is to create a great gaming experience.
How do I know if I can run my old games on Windows 11?
Windows 11 has a similar foundation to Windows 10. Thus, those game platforms compatible with the previous will definitely work on the newest version.
If you were running the Windows 10 version before, with the latest OS update, you’ll be able to use apps like Steam, Microsoft Store, and Epic Games Store without any problem.
However, some users were utilizing older operating system designs. For those of you who are still using Windows 7 and playing old legacy titles, you might encounter some minor issues.
How can I play old games on Windows 11?
1. Use the compatibility mode
1.Right-click the icon of your game on the desktop (or the installation folder), and chooseProperties.
2.Click theCompatibilitytab.
- Choose theRun the compatibility troubleshooterbutton for an automated change.
4.For a manual selection of a specific OS, tick the box next to theRun this program in compatibility mode foroption.
5.Using the drop-down list, choose a specific OS you would like to be emulated.
When you want to play old games on your Windows 11 PC, you may try launching them in compatibility mode for a previous OS. This may ensure that your PC can run the game without issues.
2. Try Microsoft Store
Windows 11 allows you to easily accessthe newest and improved Microsoft Storewhich has effectively replaced theirold gaming platform Games for Windows Live. We strongly recommend you try it before anything else.
3. Go to the manufacturer’s website
4. Try third-party game platforms
You can also download and install old games in Windows 11 from dedicated game platforms.
Such third-party support will offer you trusted certified compatibility, so your games won’t run into trouble.
If you are considering using this platform, look at the list below. You’ll find some of the most popular ones:
What can I do to ensure that old games won’t crash in Windows 11?
1. Verify if the game is properly installed
Some old games may crash or even not open at all due to specific reasons related to an incorrect installation.
The most common issues are purple checkerboards, weapons, or missing world models. Moreover, remember that you can experience different crashes while playing a game.
To prevent this trouble, you should verify if your old games are installed correctly on Windows 11. Thus, consider looking for the integrity of game files (this option will work especially for your Steam games).
2. Constantly update graphics drivers
Our second recommendation is to update graphics drivers constantly. As you probably know, drivers are the most important pieces of software which allow your digital environment to work in proper conditions.
Graphics drivers are a part of your PC that controls and enhances how your computer screen is displayed.
By graphics, we mean pictures, videos, programs, animation, or 3D. For automatic scans of outdated or missing drivers, do not hesitate to use a dedicated tool such asOutbyte Driver Updater.
3. Disable antivirus and other extraneous software
Like any other program or app, antiviruses or extraneous software may come up with random bugs that interfere with legitimate games. It is just about digital confusion, so we do not have to blame it.
This kind of program may have an impact on the overall speed of your device. However, to avoid such situations, it is not necessary to uninstall them. You should try turning them temporarily off.
These were some of the most helpful information if you consider playing old games on Windows 11. Also, look at the5 best Windows games under 1GByou should download today.
You’ll find there the most popular and less-consuming storage space games, also released about 15-20 years ago.
For those who are more familiar with the previous aspect, do not hesitate tomake Windows 11 look like Windows 10 again.
Since your opinion is important, share your thoughts in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Old games,Windows 11 Tips
Vladimir Popescu
Being an artist his entire life while also playing handball at a professional level, Vladimir has also developed a passion for all things computer-related.
With an innate fascination for research and analysis, and realizing many other people share his passion for this subject, he delved into writing Windows-related articles, so other people can also benefit from the acquired information.
When not writing kick-ass articles, Vladimir likes to spend his time doing Crossfit and creating art.
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