For new designs: Switch to MPLAB X or Microchip Studio.
Once configured, you can write C code and debug in the same simulator – best of both worlds. avr+studio+419+hot
Running a 2011-era software on Windows 10 or 11 can be tricky, but it is entirely possible with a few "hot" fixes: Handling Driver Issues For new designs: Switch to MPLAB X or Microchip Studio