Windows 10 includes many built-in tools that quietly run in the background to keep your system stable and updated. One of the most important hidden tools is the Windows 10 Compatibility Appraiser. This tool helps Windows check whether your PC, drivers, and installed apps are compatible with new updates or upgrades.
Most users never notice it because Windows runs it automatically. However, there are many situations where you may want to manually run Compatibility Appraiser, especially if you are troubleshooting Windows Update problems, preparing for a feature update, or checking readiness for an upgrade like Windows 11.
In this guide, you will learn what the Compatibility Appraiser is, why it matters, where it is located, and exactly how to manually run it in Windows 10 using safe methods. This article is written in simple language and includes bullet lists only where needed.
What Is Windows 10 Compatibility Appraiser?
Windows 10 Compatibility Appraiser (often referred to as CompatTelRunner.exe) is a Microsoft system component that analyzes your PC and creates a compatibility report. It checks key parts of your system to see if they will work properly with upcoming Windows updates and upgrades.
Even though the name might sound complex, its job is simple: it tells Windows if your system is ready and if anything could block an update.
Compatibility Appraiser is commonly used for:
Windows 10 feature updates (example: 21H2, 22H2)
Upgrade readiness checks
Windows Update reliability monitoring
Driver and app compatibility tracking
When you manually run it, it performs a scan and updates compatibility results that Windows may later use.
Why Would You Want to Run Compatibility Appraiser Manually?
Windows usually runs Compatibility Appraiser on its own through scheduled tasks. But sometimes it doesn’t run properly, or you want to force Windows to refresh compatibility data.
Here are the most common reasons people manually run it:
Your Windows 10 feature update is not showing up
Windows Update keeps failing for no clear reason
You want to confirm system readiness before upgrading
A feature update is stuck or blocked
Your PC is marked “not ready” without explanation
You want to generate fresh compatibility data after removing a blocker app
Manually running Compatibility Appraiser is also helpful if you changed hardware, installed new drivers, or removed old software, and want Windows to re-check compatibility.
Where Is Compatibility Appraiser Located in Windows 10?
The Compatibility Appraiser tool is stored in a system folder. The main file you need to know is:
CompatTelRunner.exe
Its usual location is:
C:\Windows\System32\CompatTelRunner.exe
This file works closely with Microsoft compatibility and telemetry features to create reports for upgrade decisions. It is a legitimate Windows file, and you should only run it from this official system location.
Before You Run It: Important Things to Keep in Mind
Before manually running Compatibility Appraiser, here are a few important notes:
It may take a few minutes to finish
It may use CPU and disk temporarily during the scan
You might not see any visible window because it runs silently
It updates logs and compatibility data in the background
Also, if your PC has privacy restrictions or certain telemetry services disabled, the appraiser may not complete properly.
Method 1: Run Compatibility Appraiser Manually Using Task Scheduler (Best Method)
The simplest and safest way to manually run Compatibility Appraiser is through Task Scheduler. Windows already has a scheduled task for it, and you can run it anytime.
Step 1: Open Task Scheduler
Click the Start button
Type Task Scheduler
Open it
Step 2: Navigate to Compatibility Appraiser Task
In Task Scheduler, go to this path:
Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Application Experience
Here you will find several tasks related to compatibility and app experience.
Step 3: Find the Correct Task
Look for the task named:
Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser
This is the task that runs CompatTelRunner.exe automatically on a schedule.
Step 4: Run It Manually
Click on Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser
On the right side, click Run
Once you click Run, Windows will start the scan in the background. You may not see anything happen on the screen, which is normal.
Step 5: Confirm It Ran Successfully
After running it, you can check the status in Task Scheduler.
You can also click the History tab for the task, which shows whether it succeeded or failed.
If the History tab is not enabled, you can turn it on using:
Right panel > Enable All Tasks History
This gives you a clearer record of the task execution.
Method 2: Run CompatTelRunner.exe Using Command Prompt
If you prefer using command line tools, you can run Compatibility Appraiser directly through Command Prompt.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Click Start
Type cmd
Right-click Command Prompt
Select Run as administrator
Step 2: Run the Command
Type this command and press Enter:
C:\Windows\System32\CompatTelRunner.exe
In many cases, it will run silently without showing output. That is normal behavior.
If the command returns instantly, don’t assume it failed. It may still be running briefly in the background.
Optional: Run It With Parameters (Advanced Users)
CompatTelRunner can run with different switches depending on what Windows calls internally. Most users don’t need parameters, but if you want to perform a standard compatibility scan similar to upgrade checks, Windows typically triggers it through scheduled tasks rather than manual switches.
That’s why Task Scheduler is the preferred method.
Method 3: Run Compatibility Scan Using Run Dialog
This method is quick, but not as powerful as Task Scheduler.
Steps:
Press Windows + R
Type:
C:\Windows\System32\CompatTelRunner.exe
Press Enter
Again, it may look like nothing happened, but it runs silently in the background.
Method 4: Trigger Compatibility Appraiser Using PowerShell
PowerShell can also be used to run the scheduled task directly.
Step 1: Open PowerShell as Admin
Right-click Start
Click Windows PowerShell (Admin)
Or open Windows Terminal (Admin)
Step 2: Run the Task Using Command
Use this command:
schtasks /run /tn “\Microsoft\Windows\Application Experience\Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser”
This is a clean method because it triggers the official scheduled task exactly the same way Windows does.
If it runs successfully, you will see a message confirming the task started.
How to Check If Compatibility Appraiser Actually Worked
Since the tool runs silently, many users want proof it worked. The best way is to check related logs.
Check Task Scheduler History
Go back to:
Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Application Experience
Click Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser
Open the History tab
Check recent events such as “Task started” and “Task completed”
Check Event Viewer
Compatibility tasks often leave records in Event Viewer.
Steps:
Press Windows + R
Type eventvwr.msc
Press Enter
Now navigate:
Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > Application-Experience
Here you may find events showing compatibility scans and results.
Check Generated Data (Advanced View)
Windows stores compatibility and upgrade-related info in system folders, but the exact details are not always easy to read. Still, you can confirm that system activity happened by checking timestamps on relevant files.
In many systems, compatibility data updates after the scan and may affect upgrade readiness results.
Common Errors When Running Compatibility Appraiser (And Fixes)
Sometimes you try to run Compatibility Appraiser manually and it fails. Below are common reasons and what to do.
1) Task Fails Immediately in Task Scheduler
This can happen when required Windows services are disabled.
Fixes to try:
Enable Task Scheduler service
Enable Connected User Experiences and Telemetry service (DiagTrack)
Restart your PC and try again
Some privacy tools disable these services, which can block Compatibility Appraiser.
2) CompatTelRunner.exe Uses High CPU or Disk
This is common during the scan, especially on older PCs.
What you should do:
Wait 5–10 minutes
Avoid running heavy apps during the scan
Let it finish completely
It usually returns to normal after completing the scan.
3) “Access Denied” When Running the EXE
This happens if you try to run it without admin permissions.
Fix:
Run Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator
Use Task Scheduler method
4) Compatibility Appraiser Missing or Corrupted
This is rare, but possible if system files are damaged.
Fix:
Open Command Prompt as admin
Run:
sfc /scannow
Then run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
After repair, restart your PC and try again.
Should You Disable Compatibility Appraiser?
Some users ask whether it is safe to disable Compatibility Appraiser because it may affect performance or privacy.
Technically, you can disable the scheduled task, but it is not recommended if you want smooth upgrades and feature updates.
If you disable it, you may face:
Feature updates not appearing
Upgrade checks failing
Compatibility data becoming outdated
Windows Update problems becoming harder to diagnose
If you care about system updates and long-term stability, it is best to leave it enabled.
Best Practices Before Running Compatibility Appraiser
To get the best results from Compatibility Appraiser, follow these simple steps before running it:
Restart your PC first
Ensure you have enough free storage (10GB or more recommended)
Install pending Windows updates
Disconnect unnecessary USB devices
Close heavy apps before triggering the scan
These actions reduce scan issues and give Windows a cleaner environment for compatibility analysis.
Final Thoughts
Windows 10 Compatibility Appraiser is a helpful built-in tool that checks your device readiness for Windows updates and upgrades. Even though Windows runs it automatically, you can manually trigger it anytime if your PC is not receiving feature updates, if upgrade readiness is unclear, or if Windows Update is failing without clear reasons.
The safest and best method is using Task Scheduler, where you can run the built-in “Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser” task manually. You can also trigger it using Command Prompt or PowerShell, but the scheduled task method ensures Windows runs it the way it was designed to.
If you still can’t receive feature updates after running Compatibility Appraiser, the next step is usually checking upgrade logs, resetting Windows Update components, or updating drivers to remove hidden compatibility blockers.
