Sometimes what seems obsolete will still work, if you know a few tricks

I have an M-Audio Fast Track Ultra whose most recent drivers work with Windows 8; Avid says that the interface isn’t compatible with Windows 10. But it is! I’ve run into this situation before, and here’s how to solve it.

1. Download the most recent drivers for your hardware (Windows 7, 8, or 8.1) – for example, Windows 8.

2. After the download, right-click on the executable .exe file, and choose Troubleshoot Compatibility.

3. In the dialog box that appears, choose Troubleshoot Program.

4. In the next dialog box, check The program worked in earlier version of Windows but won’t install or run now, then click Next.

5. In the next screen, choose Windows 8 (or the last OS with which the driver is compatible), and then click Next.

6. Test the program. If you don’t see the splash screen that asks if you want to allow the program to make changes to your computer, bring it to the front and follow the instructions.

7. If the program works, great! But we’re not done yet. Return to the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter, click on Next, and then choose Yes, save these settings for this program.

8. Finally, you’ll be presented with the Troubleshooting has completed window with a green check mark and the word “fixed.” Cool!