How to Run Old Games on your Modern PC {2022 Tips}

Want to know how to run old games on a new PC? If yes, then, you have come to the right place. In this write-up, we are going to explain to you a few easy tactics to make this happen. Read on the entire write-up for a better understanding.

You can easily play new games on your older system but what if you are unable to play retro games on your current computer system?  Playing old PC games on a new PC, especially on Windows 10 can be a big headache. The older a game is, the less likely it is going to run correctly on your modern PC. The OS version keeps on updating and specifications become outdated.

Be it an old PC or new, Microsoft always tries its best to make all kinds of games, programs, software, file formats work properly on its platforms. However, it does not always make any difference. Many times, the divergence between the operating system versions is too much, which prevents you from playing your favorite classic old game on your new Windows PC.

We have recently seen numerous complaints claiming that games developed for Windows 98, XP, Vista, and older are not launching or compatible with the new Windows 10. Is the same bothering you? Do you also wish to play classic shooting or adventure games on your new Windows PC? And, thinking about how to get old games to run on Windows 10? Don’t worry, this write-up can help throughout the way.

Tips & Tricks to Run Old Games on New Windows PC (Complete Guide)

Despite knowing the fact that every game has its own dependencies and is a bit different from one another. Still, there are a few possible strategies or hacks you can consider in order to play old PC games on a new PC. Let’s get straight towards the starting points:

Tip #1: Run the Game As Administrator

The older version of the Windows operating systems like Windows XP etc didn’t employ the UAC (User Account Control) system, which has been found in the recent versions of OS. It’s a prime component of Microsoft’s overall security concept. It basically helps prevent malware or viruses from damaging a system, and also enables better desktop management. With UAC, programs and games always run in the security context under administrator-level access rights.

Possibly, the game is not running properly as it requires some special permissions to function. To make this happen, you need to open the game with administrator privileges. The best way to do the same is to make a click right on the .exe file of the game and simply choose the Run as Administrator option. If this tip didn’t work, then try other hacks from below.

Also Read: How to Fix Full-Screen Game Keeps Minimizing {SOLVED}

Tip #2: Using Compatibility Mode

Running the game under administrators’ privileges can help you resolve one problem, but launching the game in compatibility mode can fix numerous issues at once. The feature comes in-built in Windows that allows you to simulate specific conditions discovered in older Windows OS versions.

To launch the game or any program in compatibility mode, all you need to do is just locate the executable file of the game you wish to run and make a right-click on it. Then, choose Properties from the quick access menu list and switch to the Compatibility option.

Now, you will see two options, here you need to click on the Run Compatibility Troubleshooter. This will automatically find and fix the problems for a particular game. Furthermore, to speed up the overall gaming experience you can also use the best game booster software like Bit Game Booster.

Tip #3: Installing Unsigned Drivers

Windows drivers come with a verified digital signature that validates their integrity. Drivers that lack this digital signature aren’t allowed to function. But, unfortunately, plenty of older games use unsigned drivers and don’t use up-to-date drivers. In order to get unsigned drivers installed on your PC, you will need to first boot into a special mode that permits it to run accordingly.

To do so, go to the Start menu, make a click on the Power icon and hold down the Shift key while clicking Restart. This will enter you into a special boot menu. In this mode, you can download and install the drivers that your game requires to run properly. Do keep in mind that installing the unsigned drivers will make your system vulnerable and sluggish. It’s all about how desperate and excited you are to play the old game.

Also Read: 7 Most Preferred Character Games of 2021

Tip #4: Try an Emulator

If a game you wish to play is too old to make it function natively, considering an Emulator might help. The Emulator is a specially designed software or hardware that lets one computer system (host) behave like another computer system. There are numerous Emulator programs available that you can use like Bluestacks, DOSBox, etc. Such programs help you run old PC games on newer versions of Windows like Windows 10.

However, this tactic is a bit more complicated and daunting, especially for the ones with no technical skills. But, if the above tips didn’t trick you, then this might work for you. Else, you can try another tip mentioned below.

Tip #5: Using Virtual Machine

If we talk about the older version of Windows like Windows 7, then it comes with a default Windows XP Mode. A wonderful feature is basically a virtual machine having an XP license. This makes booting old games, programs, or software a bit easier over a new PC. Irrespective of knowing that Windows 10 doesn’t support XP Mode, you can still create your own XP mode using Virtual Machine. Not only that, but this also allows you to run Windows PC games on MacBooks, however, you need to use software like VMWare Fusion, Parallels Desktop, etc. Furthermore, you can also try the free software called VirtualBox on Windows.

What you need to do is just introduce a virtual machine, download, install the Windows version on the same computer, and run the game. Though it is a tedious or cumbersome process to play old PC games on new PC, if in case, nothing else helps, and you are desperate to play old classic games, then you can opt for it.

Also Read: 10 Best Dreamcast Emulator for Windows 10, 8, 7 in 2021

Were these Tips Helpful?

Hopefully, these tips should help you play numerous old games designed for aging operating systems including DOS, Windows XP, Windows 98, Windows Vista, or older.

Throughout this guide, we only aimed to make you familiar with the potential tactics so you can enjoy classic retro games on your new PC. We hope this tutorial on how to play old PC games on a new PC helps you in the best way possible. If you think we missed out on anything, then please tell us in the comments section below. Also, share your further questions as well.

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