Turn off Program Compatibility Assistant

Supported OS tags: Windows10, Windows10RT, Windows11, Windows7, Windows8, Windows81, WindowsRT, WindowsRT81, WindowsServer2008, WindowsServer2012, WindowsServer2012R2, WindowsServer2016, WindowsVista

This policy setting controls the state of the Program Compatibility Assistant (PCA). The PCA monitors applications run by the user. When a potential compatibility issue with an application is detected, the PCA will prompt the user with recommended solutions. To configure the diagnostic settings for the PCA, go to System->Troubleshooting and Diagnostics->Application Compatibility Diagnostics. If you enable this policy setting, the PCA will be turned off. The user will not be presented with solutions to known compatibility issues when running applications. Turning off the PCA can be useful for system administrators who require better performance and are already aware of application compatibility issues. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the PCA will be turned on. To configure the diagnostic settings for the PCA, go to System->Troubleshooting and Diagnostics->Application Compatibility Diagnostics. Note: The Diagnostic Policy Service (DPS) and Program Compatibility Assistant Service must be running for the PCA to run. These services can be configured by using the Services snap-in to the Microsoft Management Console.

This policy has no additional user input fields.

• Computer
  Prevent access to 16-bit applications

  At least Windows Server 2003
• Computer
  Remove Program Compatibility Property Page

  At least Windows Server 2003
• Computer
  Turn off Application Compatibility Engine

  At least Windows Server 2003
• Computer
  Turn off Application Telemetry

  At least Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows 7
• Computer
  Turn off Inventory Collector

  At least Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows 7
• User
  Turn off Program Compatibility Assistant

  At least Windows Vista
• Computer
  Turn off Steps Recorder

  At least Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows 7