Does it matter where software is installed?

Question

Normally when I install software, it defaults to "C:\Program Files" or "C:\Program Files (x86)".

Sometime (for example with Python, and a number of drivers) it defaults to the C: drive root folder.

Is there a reason why some software defaults to the root?  Would it matter if I put it in the Programs Files folder instead? (Personally, I don't like cluttering up the C drive root).

Answer 1

You can install your software anywhere you like. There are two reasons why it usually goes into the two C:\Program . . . folders:

• To avoid cluttering up the root directory
• To protect the application from inadvertent user interference.

Answer 2

You can install your software anywhere you like. There are two reasons why it usually goes into the two C:\Program . . . folders:

• To avoid cluttering up the root directory
• To protect the application from inadvertent user interference.

There are, as the OP suggested, some programs/drivers that do not offer a choice and will always install in the root.  When that's the case, there's no way around it that I know of.