32-bit vs. 64-bit Windows
Related:What’s the Difference Between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows?
Originally, Windows was only available as a32-bit operating system.
In other words, programs install to the Program Files folder.
On 64-bit versions of Windows, 64-bit applications install to the Program Files folder.
64-bit programs still use the normal Program Files folder.
This contains all your installed programs, all of which are 32-bit.
That’s why different programs are spread across the two Program Files folders, seemingly at random.
Why Are They Split Up?
This is a compatibility feature designed for old 32-bit programs.
The same goes for 64-bit programs.
Keeping different program files for different CPU architectures separate prevents errors like these from happening.
For example, let’s say Windows just used a single Program Files folder.
And there would likely be no real standard for where developers installed different versions.
Why Is The 32-bit Folder Named (x86)?
You won’t always see “32-bit” and “64-bit.”
That’s because early computers used the Intel 8086 chip.
The original chips were 16-bit, but newer versions became 32-bit.
“x86” now refers to the pre-64-bit architecture—whether that’s 16-bit or 32-bit.
The newer 64-bit architecture is referred to as “x64” instead.
That’s what “Program Files (x86)” means.
It’s the Program Files folder for programs using the older x86 CPU architecture.
Just note, however, that 64-bit versions of Windows can’trun 16-bit code.
This Doesn’t Normally Matter
Related:What Is the AppData Folder in Windows?
Windows automatically installs programs to the correct folder, so you don’t have to think about it.
Programs appear in the Start menu and function normally, no matter where they’re installed.
Just let your programs automatically decide which Program Files folder to use.
You’ll sometimes need to know where a program is stored.
For example, let’s say you want to go into yourSteam directoryto back up some files.
You’ll find it in C:\Program Files (x86), as Steam is a 32-bit program.
it’s possible for you to also look in Windows 10’sTask Manager.
