Use Method 1 if you only need quick access to old files. Use VirtualBox + Windows XP if you plan to design new documents in PageMaker regularly. Feature footnote: Running PageMaker on Windows 10 is a testament to user dedication, not a stable production environment. For critical work, migrate your legacy content to InDesign or Scribus.
PageMaker 6.5 was released in the late 1990s. Its installer is 16-bit , and 64-bit versions of Windows cannot run 16-bit code natively. You cannot run the original installer directly on Windows 10 64-bit. You will need a workaround. Feature: Keeping a Classic Alive – Running PageMaker 6.5 on Windows 10 64-bit The Compatibility Problem When you double-click SETUP.EXE on Windows 10 64-bit, you’ll likely see: "This app can't run on your PC." This is because Windows 10 64-bit lacks the NTVDM (NT Virtual DOS Machine) layer. However, the application itself (once installed) has 32-bit components that can run. Two Proven Methods Method 1: Install on a 32-bit System & Copy (Easiest, Most Stable) This exploits the fact that PageMaker 6.5 installs mostly 32-bit binaries. how to install pagemaker 6.5 on windows 10 64 bit
Use Method 1 if you only need quick access to old files. Use VirtualBox + Windows XP if you plan to design new documents in PageMaker regularly. Feature footnote: Running PageMaker on Windows 10 is a testament to user dedication, not a stable production environment. For critical work, migrate your legacy content to InDesign or Scribus.
PageMaker 6.5 was released in the late 1990s. Its installer is 16-bit , and 64-bit versions of Windows cannot run 16-bit code natively. You cannot run the original installer directly on Windows 10 64-bit. You will need a workaround. Feature: Keeping a Classic Alive – Running PageMaker 6.5 on Windows 10 64-bit The Compatibility Problem When you double-click SETUP.EXE on Windows 10 64-bit, you’ll likely see: "This app can't run on your PC." This is because Windows 10 64-bit lacks the NTVDM (NT Virtual DOS Machine) layer. However, the application itself (once installed) has 32-bit components that can run. Two Proven Methods Method 1: Install on a 32-bit System & Copy (Easiest, Most Stable) This exploits the fact that PageMaker 6.5 installs mostly 32-bit binaries.
© 2025 Point Blank Enterprises, Inc.
