What does the program files x86 folder mean. What is the Difference Between Program Files (x86) and Program Files in Windows

Answers on questions

Most likely, on your Windows computer, you will find two folders "Program Files" and "Program Files (x86)". If you get bored, you will see that some of your programs are installed in one folder and some in another.

32-bit and 64-bit Windows

Windows was originally only available in a 32-bit version. On 32-bit Windows - even the 32-bit versions of Windows 10 that are still available today - you will only see the Program Files folder.

On 64-bit versions of Windows 64-bit applications are installed in the Program Files folder. However, 64-bit versions of Windows also support 32-bit programs, and Microsoft doesn't want 32-bit and 64-bit software to mix in the same place. Therefore, 32-bit programs are installed in the Program Files (x86) folder.

Windows runs 32-bit applications on 64-bit versions of Windows using WOW64.

When you run a 32-bit program on 64-bit Windows, the WOW64 emulation layer smoothly redirects access to the file from "C: \\ Program Files" to "C: \\ Program Files (x86)". 64-bit programs still use the regular Program Files folder.

What's stored in each folder

Thus, on 32-bit Windows, you only have the Program Files folder. It contains all the programs you have installed, all of which are 32-bit.

On 64-bit Windows, 64-bit programs are stored in the Program Files folder, and 32-bit programs are stored in the Program Files (x86) folder.

This is why different programs are split between two seemingly random Program Files folders. The Program Files folder contains 64-bit applications, and the Program Files (x86) folder contains 32-bit applications.

Why do they separate

This compatibility feature is for older 32-bit programs. These 32-bit programs might not know that a 64-bit version of Windows even exists, so Windows isolates them from 64-bit code.

32-bit programs cannot load 64-bit libraries (DLLs) and may crash if they try to load a specific DLL and find a 64-bit version instead of a 32-bit one. The same goes for 64-bit programs. Saving different program files for different processor architectures prevents such errors.

For example, let's say Windows uses one Program Files folder. A 32-bit application might look for a Microsoft Office DLL file located in C: \\ Program Files \\ Microsoft Office and try to load it. However, if you have a 64-bit version of Microsoft Office installed, the application will crash and not work as expected. With separate folders, this application will not be able to find the DLL at all because the 64-bit version of Microsoft Office will be in C: \\ Program Files \\ Microsoft Office, and the 32-bit application will search in C: \\ Program Files (x86) \\ Microsoft Office.

It also helps when the developer is building both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the application, especially if they need to be both installed at once. The 32-bit version is automatically installed in C: \\ Program Files (x86) and the 64-bit version is automatically installed in C: \\ Program Files. If Windows were using one folder, the application developer would have to install the 64-bit folder to another folder to separate them.

Why is the 32 bit folder called (x86)

You will not always see the terms "32-bit" or "64-bit". Instead, you sometimes come across "x86" and "x64" to denote these two different architectures. This is because early computers used the Intel 8086 chip. The original chips were 16-bit, but newer versions are 32-bit. "X86" now refers to pre-32-bit architecture — be it 16-bit or 32-bit. The new 64-bit architecture is called "x64".

This means that "Program Files (x86)" is an implementation of the Program Files folder for programs using the old x86 processor architecture. Note, however, that 64-bit versions of Windows cannot run 16-bit code .

It usually doesn't matter

It usually doesn't matter if the program files are stored in Program Files or Program Files (x86). Windows automatically installs programs in the correct folder, so you don't have to think about it. Programs appear in the Start menu and function normally, regardless of where they are installed. Just let your programs automatically decide which Program Files folder to use.

If you using a portable application, it can run from any folder on your system, so you don't have to worry about where to put it.

However, sometimes we need to know where the program is stored. For example, you want to enter your Steam directory to back up some files. You will find it in C: \\ Program Files (x86) as Steam is a 32-bit program.

Every PC user, at least once, examined his computer, studied folders and programs, most often in order to free up space on the hard disk and delete unnecessary files. Typically, Program Files (x86) and Program Files are among the largest folders for owners of 64-bit operating systems. They are located in the root of the OS disk at: C: \\ Program Files (x86) and C: \\ Program Files.

Introduction

Attention!!! Dear readers, before proceeding with any actions with the "Program files" folder, I ask you to think several times, because it is a system one. I want to warn you right away that any erroneous intervention can break the operation of the operating system and you will simply lose some of your data, programs, or you will not be able to turn on the computer at all. This article is written for those who have an understanding of what they are doing and for what specific purpose. I do not recommend You even think about the possible deletion of the folder.

64-bit programs are installed in the Program Files folder, and 32-bit programs are installed in Program Files (x86). Some of them may be absolutely necessary for the stable operation of your computer. For example, if you installed a clean operating system without drivers, then when installing the audio driver, the path to one of these folders may be selected by default. When you delete a folder, in this case, you will no longer have sound.

Microsoft made sure that you did not delete the entire folder in a couple of clicks, therefore, when you try to delete, the "explorer" will give you messages that the programs being removed are now working and will not let you finish the job. Of course, this can be circumvented by going to the "Task Manager" and turning off the processes belonging to programs, but this is not recommended. This method can be useful when removing small viruses or utilities.

Can I delete the program files x86 folder?

We can say with confidence that you should not delete the entire folder, but if you still need to free up space on your hard drive, you can uninstall unnecessary programs, but not manually (by deleting folders), but through the Control Panel. This method is also much better in that when choosing an unnecessary application, you cannot be mistaken. It often happens that during installation the program is placed in a folder with the name of the company that created it, for example: Microsoft, Adobe, etc. In the Control Panel, you will see the names of programs and their icons, which will help you navigate easier. Below is a list of folders and programs that should not be removed.

Folders:
- 7-Zip;
- Common Files;
- Internet Explorer;
- Microsoft Games;
- Microsoft Office;
- MSBuild;
- NVIDIA Corporation;
- Realtek (sound card driver) - you may have a different one;
- Reference Assemblies;
- All Windows folders;
- WinRAR;
- Folder with antivirus (Avast, Kaspersky, Dr. Web, and so on).

Programs:
- Antivirus;
- Drivers (Intel, NVIDIA, ADM, Realtek, etc.);
- All Microsoft programs;
- Windows drivers.

In order to uninstall programs completely use the Control Panel. Follow the steps below.

Open the start panel
Select "Control Panel"
Click on "Programs and Features"
In the above list, double-click on the required program to uninstall it, excluding those written above.

It should also be borne in mind that if the hard drive is divided into several, not all programs will be located on the C drive, for example, you installed games on the D drive, so be careful when choosing programs and applications.

How to remove program files x86 from old system?

There are also more unusual circumstances when it is necessary to remove the components of the program files x86 or program files folder. This situation can arise if your disk is divided into several parts. For example, your OS was on the C drive and you installed another one on the D drive and use it, then you will have everything on C. This is where the questions arise, how to delete the Windows and Program files folders?

The easiest way is to download the useful LockHunter utility. When you try to delete these folders, you will receive a message that you do not have sufficient rights. The utility allows you to close your eyes and delete absolutely any files on your computer. After installation, right-click on the required folders and select LockHunter. In the window that appears, click "DeleteIt!" and the folders will be deleted. Despite the ease of use and unlimited possibilities, you should use this utility with caution, and in ordinary cases, use the familiar "Control Panel"

Happy use!

When you start browsing your drive, where the operating system is installed, you can discover a lot. For example, some time ago I talked about. Today, let's talk about a folder called Program Files (x86): what is in it and can it be deleted?

You can find a folder called Program Files (x86) at the root of the system drive, usually drive C. You probably know that the Program Files folder itself is needed to install various programs - by default, programs are installed in it. But that is a folder without any postscripts, and here we are talking about a folder with an additional name x86. Moreover, if you have a folder with this name, it means that at the root you will find the Program Files folder without any additional notes.

The casket, as they say, opens simply. There are two versions of the Windows operating system -. In short, the difference between them is that in one cycle of processor time, the system can process a command of 32 or 64 bits, respectively. In addition, a 64-bit operating system supports much more RAM, while a 32-bit operating system supports no more than 4 GB (in fact, even less).

If we are talking about a 32-bit version of Windows, then it only supports 32-bit programs. Accordingly, if you want to run a 64-bit program on a 32-bit system, you will get an error. True, in many cases, such an application can still be launched, but perhaps “dancing with a tambourine”. A 64-bit operating system supports both 32-bit and 64-bit programs and applications. Accordingly, 32-bit programs and applications are installed in the Program Files (x86) folder, and 64-bit programs are installed in Program Files. It is for this reason that you see at the root of the folder two folders at once with virtually the same names. And this is not a bug or glitch of the system, as some users believe. By the way, the Program Files (x86) folder takes its name from the early Intel processors: 8086, 80186, 80286, etc. So, in any case, it is considered.

How do I delete the Program Files (x86) folder?

This folder is deleted as easily as other folders. You may need administrator rights. Another question - why do this if 32-bit applications are installed in this folder? In addition, already installed applications will be deleted along with the folder. Why do you need all this?

In my opinion, this folder shouldn't be touched at all. In the end, it doesn't bother anyone.

Sometimes program_files_x86__676bbe2c7241b694.cdf-ms and other CDF-MS system errors can be related to problems in the Windows registry. Several programs can share the same program_files_x86__676bbe2c7241b694.cdf-ms file, but when these programs are uninstalled or changed sometimes orphaned (invalid) CDF-MS registry entries are left behind.

Basically, this means that while the actual path to the file may have changed, its incorrect former location is still recorded in the Windows registry. When Windows tries looking up these incorrect file references (file locations on your PC), program_files_x86__676bbe2c7241b694.cdf-ms errors can occur. In addition, malware infection may have corrupted the registry entries associated with Microsoft Windows. Thus, these invalid CDF-MS registry entries need to be repaired to fix the root of the problem.

Manually editing the Windows registry to remove invalid program_files_x86__676bbe2c7241b694.cdf-ms keys is not recommended unless you are PC service professional. Errors made while editing the registry can cause your PC to malfunction and cause irreparable damage to your operating system. In fact, even a single comma in the wrong place can prevent your computer from booting!

Because of this risk, we highly recommend using a trusted registry cleaner such as WinThruster (Developed by Microsoft Gold Certified Partner) to scan and repair any program_files_x86__676bbe2c7241b694.cdf-ms-related registry problems. Using a registry cleaner (download) automates the process of finding invalid registry entries, missing file references (like the one causing your program_files_x86__676bbe2c7241b694.cdf-ms error), and broken links within the registry. Before each scan, a backup is automatically created, allowing you to undo any changes with one click and protecting you from possible damage to your computer. The best part is that fixing registry errors can dramatically improve system speed and performance.

Warning: Unless you are an experienced PC user, we do NOT recommend manually editing the Windows registry. Incorrect use of the Registry Editor can lead to serious problems and require you to reinstall Windows. We do not guarantee that problems resulting from incorrect use of Registry Editor can be fixed. Your use of the Registry Editor is at your own risk.

To manually repair your Windows registry, first you need to create a backup by exporting a portion of the registry related to program_files_x86__676bbe2c7241b694.cdf-ms (eg. Microsoft Windows):

Click the button To begin.
Enter " command" in search bar ... DO NOT PRESS YET ENTER!
Holding the keys CTRL-Shift on the keyboard, press ENTER.
A dialog box for access will be displayed.
Click Yes.
The black box opens with a blinking cursor.
Enter " regedit" and press ENTER.
In the Registry Editor, select the program_files_x86__676bbe2c7241b694.cdf-ms-related key (eg.Microsoft Windows) you want to back up.
On the menu File select Export.
In the list Save to select the folder where you want to save the Microsoft Windows backup key.
In field File name type a name for your backup file, such as "Microsoft Windows Backup".
Make sure in the box Export range value selected Selected branch.
Click Save.
The file will be saved with extension .reg.
You now have a backup of your program_files_x86__676bbe2c7241b694.cdf-ms-related registry entry.

The next steps for manually editing the registry will not be described in this article, as they can most likely damage your system. If you would like more information on manually editing the registry, please see the links below.