diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index d9f4a87..398f4a0 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -28,6 +28,10 @@ The scope of what is covered by the version number excludes:
 
 ## Version history
 
+### unreleased
+
+- Chore: add compiler error on Windows if Virtual Terminal Processing is unavailable.
+
 ### Version 0.4.2, released 25-Jun-2024
 
 - Fix: include additional headers for some MinGW installations
diff --git a/src/term.c b/src/term.c
index 1bb6c75..e1f2f9c 100644
--- a/src/term.c
+++ b/src/term.c
@@ -107,6 +107,11 @@ typedef struct ls_RegConst {
 // This is needed because some flags are not defined on all platforms. So we
 // still export the constants, but they will be all 0, and hence not do anything.
 #ifdef _WIN32
+// check compatibility: Windows virtual terminal processing was added in 2019,
+// so requires MS toolchain 2022 or newer.
+#ifndef ENABLE_VIRTUAL_TERMINAL_INPUT
+#error 2019 and older toolchains are not supported. Update the toolchain or revert to Luasystem < 0.4
+#endif
 #define CHECK_WIN_FLAG_OR_ZERO(flag) flag
 #define CHECK_NIX_FLAG_OR_ZERO(flag) 0
 #else