how to test software in windows xp, vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10

[Daka]

Hello I just developed software on XP and later did check on win 7 and
just moment ago, the software failed on windows 10 64bit.

I'm webdeveloper and this is first time developing windows software,
so here comes the question:

Is there platform to test software on all versions of windows?

One option that I used for webdevelop, was virtualbox and 
download the all versions of windows: 
https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/tools/vms/
but it seems that it doesn't work for programs only for browsers
(from point I checked, maybe I'm wrong).

So are there windows versions that are full and free of charge 
to download and test it in virtualbox?

Or I need to get all windows licences?

[Jos]

Only way I know is to run some sort of VM software with instances of each flavor of windows and simply test it.

Jos

[JLogan3o13]

As Jos mentions above, VMs are your best way to go for this. I am assuming you have access to each OS; you can use VMware Player or VirtualBox on the cheap, or use VMware Workstation if you want to put a few more resources into it. You could also set up some containers if you are looking for more agile testing capabilities, but that adds to the complexity.

[krasnoshtan]

if you have machine with win 10, you can change compatibility preference in same named tab in the compiled .exe file properties. But this method may not work for all 100%, especially if your program works with the file system and system files names/variables. For example, system files/folders of winxp may differ considerably on Vista+. But you can try

Edited August 18, 2020 by krasnoshtan
some small clarifications

[Jos]

One of the biggest compatibility issues is the support of 8bit code, which is not present anymore! 
So the not 100% comment is somewhat misleading.:)

Jos

 

[JLogan3o13]

Agreed, the "not 100%" is going to be more like "maybe 5% if you're fortunate" - in all a bad idea.