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Windows 10 successfully runs legacy software: Office 95 spotted in action

With a few minor tweaks, this legacy software can run on modern Windows

2 min. read

Published onMarch 5, 2024

published onMarch 5, 2024

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As you probably know,Microsoft is forcing users to upgrade to Windows 11 via nag screen, citing compatibility issues and security.

Many are worried about software compatibility, but it seems that Windows is rather compatible with old software.

Windows 10 can still run 29-year-old software with no issues

First spotted byNeowin, there’s a video on Twitter showing Windows 10 running Word 7 for Windows 95. You’d expect to see some compatibility issues, but no, everything works without a hitch.

This was first discovered by Niko on Twitter and she used Microsoft Office 95 on Windows 10 Enterprise edition, build 15063. Another user, WinExperiments, shared the video of this in action.

How backwards compatible is Microsoft software?Here’s your answer ?️(original video and discovery by@Jevil7452)pic.twitter.com/RgatmY8LRr

So how is this done? According to WinExperiments, 32-bit Office 2021 was installed on the computer, followed by Office 95, without Excel.

It seems that Microsoft is still using the same API calls, which allows the software to work. While this works, it doesn’t mean that every legacy software will be compatible.

We have to notice that in this case Office 95 probably relies on libraries from Office 2021 to work properly, and it won’t work on its own.

Nevertheless, it’s great to see that older software is still able to run with some tweaks. However,Microsoft Office 2024 is coming, and it doesn’t require any tweaks, so it’s a superior choice for everyday use.

More about the topics:Microsoft Office,windows 10

Milan Stanojevic

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.

Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.

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Milan Stanojevic

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Windows 10 successfully runs legacy software: Office 95 spotted in action#

Windows 10 can still run 29-year-old software with no issues#