What is the Difference Between Program Files and Program Files x86

The main difference between program files and program files x86 is that 64-bit applications are installed into program files folder while 32-bit applications are installed into the program files x86 folder.

In 64 bit Windows OS, we can see two types of folders in the C drive. These are program files and program files x86. This article examines the difference between program files and program files x86.  

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Program Files
     – Definition, Features
2. What are Program Files x86
     – Definition, Features
3. What is the Difference Between Program Files and Program Files x86
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

32-bit, 64-bit, Program files, program files x86

What are Program Files

In a 64-bit Windows OS, the 64-bit software is installed into the program files folder. This OS provides the ability to execute both 64 bit and 32-bit programs simultaneously. It is capable of running 32-bit applications using an emulator layer.

What are Program Files x86

The 32-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 32-bit applications smoothly without any issue on 64-bit machines. Furthermore, storing all the files in the same folder will make it difficult to access the files. Therefore, the 32-bit software is installed into this separate folder.

Program files x86 folder is only available on 64-bit windows operating systems such as XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, etc. If this folder is available, it indicates that the computer has a 64 bit Windows operating system.

As the applications are in two separate folders, the OS can understand the configuration to use for a specific program. Moreover, there can be both 32 bit and 64-bit version of the same program.

Difference Between Program Files and Program Files x86

Definition

Program files is a folder in computers with 64 bit Windows operating system to store 64-bit applications. Program files x86, on the other hand, is a folder in computers with 64 bit Windows operating system to store 32-bit applications. This is the main difference between program files and program files x86.

Objective

Program files folder helps to install and to store 64-bit applications whereas Program files x86 folder helps to install and to store 32-bit applications.

File Path

“C:\Program Files” is the path for 64-bit programs while “C:\Program Files (x86)” is the path for 32-bit programs. This is another difference between program files and program files x86.

Conclusion

The main difference between program files and program files x86 is that 64-bit applications are installed into program files folder while 32-bit applications are installed into the program files x86 folder.  In brief, these two folders are available to support backward compatibility.

Reference:

1. “Program Files.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 May 2018, Available here.
2. “Encyclopedia.” PCMAG, PCMAG.COM, Available here.