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Why Program Files (x86) and Programs?

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peer_at Posted messages 10 Registration date   Status Membre Last intervention   -  
 abdelhak -
Hello,

Quick question, please:

Why does Windows 7 install programs sometimes in the "Program Files" folder and sometimes in the "Program Files (x86)" folder? What is the difference between Program Files and Program Files (x86)?

Could this be related to the fact that my OS is 64-bit?

Thank you in advance.

Configuration: Windows 7 / Firefox 3.6.9

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bionik Posted messages 4232 Registration date   Status Modérateur Last intervention   185
 
Yes, indeed, it's related to the fact that the computer is 64-bit.

For computers running Windows 7 64-bit, there are two installation destination folders
  • "Program Files (x86)" is the directory for 32-bit software installations, it is commonly used because most software is 32-bit
  • "Program Files" is the directory for 64-bit software installations, so if you install 64-bit software, it will go directly there!


Hoping this information has helped you.
132
peer_at Posted messages 10 Registration date   Status Membre Last intervention   30
 
Thank you very much for your response, Bionik.
You answered my question.

Have a great day.
0
jeando83 Posted messages 2 Status Membre 2
 
Hello,
I was wondering why it is called that?
Here is the answer I found on Algocool:


"Why x86? Isn't x32 better?
The x86 is another way to refer to 32-bit processors, software, and systems. This comes from the fact that the first main 32-bit processors were Intel 80386/80186 and AMD AM386/AM486[1]. The manufacturers simply kept the last two digits to talk about their processors, hence x86."


https://algocool.fr/program-files-x86/

Aren't computer scientists a bit twisted sometimes? Honestly... everyone would have understood x32... right?

Best regards
Jeando
2