Programs vs programs x86

This is a compatibility feature designed for old bit programs. These bit programs may not be aware that a bit version of Windows even exists, so Windows keeps them away from that bit code. The same goes for bit programs. Keeping different program files for different CPU architectures separate prevents errors like these from happening.

However, if you had a bit version of Microsoft Office installed, the application would crash and not function properly. This also helps when a developer creates both bit and bit versions of an application, especially if both need to be installed at once in some situations.

And there would likely be no real standard for where developers installed different versions. The original chips were bit, but newer versions became bit.

Both bit and bit programs should store your data in folders like AppData and ProgramData , and not in any Program Files folder. Just let your programs automatically decide which Program Files folder to use. Use Google Fonts in Word. Customize the Taskbar in Windows What Is svchost.

Best Home Theater Systems. Best Smartwatches. Best Gaming Laptops. Best Smart Displays. What are Program Files x86 — Definition, Features 3. In a bit Windows OS, the bit software is installed into the program files folder.

This OS provides the ability to execute both 64 bit and bit programs simultaneously. It is capable of running bit applications using an emulator layer. The bit applications are installed into program files x86 folder. The purpose of having these two folders is to provide backward compatibility. In other words, it allows executing bit applications smoothly without any issue on bit machines. When 64 bit processors were introduced, they were called x64 to distinguish the newer bit architecture from the old processor lines.

After reading this post, you should know the difference between Program Files folder and Program Files x86 folder as well as why Windows 10 separates bit and bit programs on your PC.

If you have any questions or different opinions regard the folders, you can share it with us by leaving a message in the comment zone. Download Partition Wizard. How to Uninstall Programs on Windows 10? Here Are Methods. Read More. Ask Question. Asked 12 years, 6 months ago. Active 9 years, 1 month ago. Viewed 3k times. I'm assuming that my application will still run as a true x64 application, despite being in the x86 folder - is this correct?

Would there be any advantage in having the installer put the application in the "Program Files" folder? Improve this question. Jon Tackabury Jon Tackabury Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. It'd be clearer that it's 64 bit. Improve this answer.

Jeff Moser Jeff Moser Excellent, thanks.