I've installed LOTR II on a new laptop running Windows 10. When I launch the game, I get a black screen for a few seconds, then it closes. No error, it just goes away. Searching online, it looks like others with a similar problem were able to fix it by changing the compatibility mode. I've tried every version of Windows that's an option in the compatibility window, and also tried toggling all the other settings (reduced color mode, disable display scaling, and run in 640x480 resolution). Behavior is always the same - game starts to launch, black screen for a couple seconds, then nothing.
Any other suggestions? Thanks!

Just in case, it worth mentioning the basics of installing old stuff, especially games on win10:

Install outside the protected area. So somewhere like C:\GOGgames\
Make sure you launch the installer as administrator, just in case.
It might be sometimes necessary to launch program itself as administrator, first time or ever

Thanks for the suggestions. I was installing and launching the game as admin. And the install location is what you suggested, C:\GOG Games.
I did have it running on a different Windows 10 system with no issues at all. Must be something different between that computer and this one, but not sure what it is or what to do about it!

lords of the realm 2 launch issue on win10 64bit is solved for me by switch on DirectPlay:
Go to start -> Apps and Features/Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off -> Legacy Components ->DirectPlay

Uninstall Win10
Install Win7
Profit

I was having the same issue.
This worked for me. Thanks a lot.

Hi, I got Lords of the Realm CD working on my windows 7 desktop, but my Windows 10 laptop still won't launch. After I click on the icon, I get the usual `do you want this app to make changes to your computer' window, and after clicking yes it disappears. The wait pointer appears for a few seconds, then nothing. I have tried the direct play fix, and compatability with all previous versions of windows, all to no effect.

Are there any other fixes worth trying?

For me the directplay does not show under legacy components. There is no drop down either. It does not show on mine

any one running lords of the realm 2 on windows 7 currently?

I finally got it working on Windows 10 x64... I've been futzing with this for a while and I've found an issue that causes the black screen and cursor for a few seconds and then quitting. This is after doing all of the other things like installing DirectPlay, compatibility settings, etc. You have to ensure that any subdirectory in the full path for the application is 8 characters or less (DOS style).

It runs, but in only black and white.

Can you please elaborate what you mean? How did you save the file or edit it?

I don't remember what I did, but it ran like that both regularly and with compatibility settings. Since then, I've switched to Win10 and after reinstalling it works perfectly with no need for extra settings.