nabil asks:
Does Windows 7 support all PC games?
Know someone who can answer? Share the question with your friends!
Leave a comment
Get a MakeUseOf account using one of your online accounts below.
Why? Earn points, unlock giveaways, access locked exclusives.
Hide 4 Comments
Hi Nabil,
No. The compatibility of any software depends on a few factors, such as your hardware (memory, video card, hard drive space, etc.), operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.) and many more. Most games that work on XP and Vista, will in fact work on Windows 7, but I can’t say for certain without knowing which title you’re talking about specifically.
- Jeff
No, not all games are supported or working on Windows 7. Compatibility issues may occur with older games.
For example Microsoft dropped the DOS implementation starting with Windows XP. That means all games based or using an DOS environment don’t run on XP and later [without doing some work-arounds or using Dosbox].
You will also find some older Windows XP games requiring or having components implemented which are not compatible with Win7.
I don’t remember the name but I once had a game that shipped with a rather old GFWL version which wasn’t compatible with Win7 and installing a newer [working] GFWL version simply broke the game.
All in all most games working in XP should work in Windows 7 too.
* GFWL = Games for Windows Live
if you find some problems while running games on windows 7 try the compatibility mode to windows vista or xp. Be sure to have the right graphical card that supports the game.
Between Windows 7 and XP Mode, or XP in VirtualBox, most software would work for games.