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Why do I need Program Files vs Program Files (x86) vs ProgramData Why? That is my question

Anonymous
2021-08-13T19:57:59+00:00

Why do I need all of these?, when theere are like the same, Why couln't Microsoft make a folder that would only be for applications, It makes it so confusing that I would suggest that for windows 11, the only folder that would be created is a folder called "Applications" Now would that be so hard to deveop? I think not

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. DaveM121 869K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2021-08-13T20:36:15+00:00

    Hi Daniel

    I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    You have Windows 10 64bit installed.

    Program Files (x86) is where 32bit applications are installed

    Program Files is where 64bit applications are installed

    ProgramData is where application date is stored, this includes settings, database data and other files that need to be changed, because files in the Program Files folders is not editable

    A further complication is in C:\Program Files is a hidden folder named WinodwsApps and that is where all Microsoft Store Apps and games are stored.

    I do agree with you that this is a complex folder structure, some if it is legacy form previous versions of Windows, but this also allows us to install both the 32bit and 64bit version of software if we need to and the ProgramData folder and WIndowsApps folder are there to improve system security

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