Windows should detect the age of your game automatically. So, if you try to install something from 1997, such as 3-D Ultra Minigolf, you will be able to select a compatibility mode as far back as Windows 95. However, this isn’t always a foolproof method; DOS games, for example, may present a particular challenge, but there are a few things you can do to get older games working on a modern machine, whether it’s by tweaking some settings or installing other software.
While Microsoft strives to make programs and file formats backwards compatible, it does not always work with older games due to the large time gap between when each was released. It depends on the program and how it is optimized and designed, as well as whether it is inherently backwards compatible.
How can I get old Windows games?
These classic games cannot be obtained by simply copying the Microsoft Games folder from the Windows 7 installation to Windows 10. You’ll need to use a hex editor to remove the version check. It is therefore preferable to use an installer rather than manually copying and editing those files.