Programs Files vs Program files (x86)

What is the difference between the "Program Files" folder & the "Program Files (x86)" folder, in C Drive? Various programs seem split almost equally between the 2, after I upgraded from Vista to 7, except that Internet Explorer is in both, meaning that when I "Open with" for a text file I get IE listed twice.

 

Can I move everything to one or other of these & delete the other one? Is one for 64-bit and one for 32-bit programs or something like that?

 

Thanks very much!

Milton.
Answer
Answer

Hi Milton,

 

 

Yes, the two ‘Program File’ folders that are listed are for 32 bit and 64 bit version of Windows 7. The folder with (x86) is for 32 bit version.

 

For more information follow the link given below

32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions

 

You may also check the link given below for further clarification.

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/w7itprogeneral/thread/7373ff3e-0207-4774-b042-c1324e70f1e5

 

 

Hope this information is helpful.

Amrita M

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer
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Last updated January 18, 2021 Views 845,926 Applies to: