Windows 7: Identifying 32-bit and 64-bit programs in Windows Explorer?

Most of the programs that I have dl'd, have been placed into Program Files (x86), even if the installer was recommending Program Files. Not really sure why I was doing this. I have now found out that the difference between these two folders is one is for 32-bit and the other for 64-bit programs. So, now I have many programs that are in the wrong folder, but don't know how to identify with is 64-bit and which is 32-bit. I'd like to be able to identify which is which and then move the programs into their correct folders. However, I must also say, that as far as I can tell, all my programs are working fine and I really wonder if I have to do this house-keeping???

I wouldn't move them.

I'd do one of two things:

Uninstall the programs and reinstall them to the proper folder.

Do nothing until and unless problems develop. I don't know how likely that is.

OK, as they don't seem to be causing any known problems, I'll leave them as is. However, I am still interested in knowing how to identify the 32-bit from the 64-bit programs.

Also, let's say that although I have no problems with programs in the wrong folders, what is wrong with moving them to their correct folder?

They really shouldn't be placed in any other than their default directory.



You can look in Task Manager under the Processes tab and it should notify you whether it is a 32-bit or 64-bit application.

I'm not sure there an easy way to identify 32-bit versus 64-bit from looking at file properties of any type. Normally, you would just look to see if the app was in Program Files or Program Files (x86) and draw a conclusion---which method you have foiled.

Moving non-personal files around within C is begging for problems. Try it and see how you make out. The registry would point to location A and you would have moved a file to location B.

Thanks all. I can now identify 32-bit from 64-bit. However, for the time being, I think I'll just leave things as they are. And, maybe later, if I feel adventurous, I'll change some programs to their proper folders. My main concern is ignaatzatsonic's counseling on that "...Moving non-personal files around within C is begging for problems. Try it and see how you make out. The registry would point to location A and you would have moved a file to location B."