x86 or not?

I've read several threads about the regular program folder and the program(x86) folder, but still don't quite understand it. If I am installing a program I download from the web, and it asks where I would like it installed, which folder should I put it in? Since I don't know if it is 64bit, am I safe to put it in the x86 folder?

I just received my Windows 7 computer, and a lot of the programs I frequently use are ones I have downloaded. I don't want to install 8 or 10 programs and then find out I've done something wrong.

Johnjr said:

I've read several threads about the regular program folder and the program(x86) folder, but still don't quite understand it. If I am installing a program I download from the web, and it asks where I would like it installed, which folder should I put it in? Since I don't know if it is 64bit, am I safe to put it in the x86 folder?

I just received my Windows 7 computer, and a lot of the programs I frequently use are ones I have downloaded. I don't want to install 8 or 10 programs and then find out I've done something wrong.

John Hi and welcome

If I were you I would let the apps install into the default locations. Usually the developer will make a suggestion. If it is blank (not suggested folder) you can put them in the x86 folder. It doesnt matter because tha app and your computer will know where you put it. For example some of us put our applications on a different hard drive so we dont lose the serial number if our OS dies and it runs fine from there.

Hope this helps


Ken J+

you won't do anything wrong, windows knows where to put them. Just leave it as the default location if it asks for it.

Thanks for the answers, but I’m still not positive I understand. You both seem to be saying it doesn’t make ay difference at all if I put a program in the “Program files” or the “Program files (x86)” folder. Right? So to take a specific example, I download a chess program to put on my new computer, and it is downloaded as a zip file. When I unpack the file it asks where I want it saved (and neither the Programs folder nor the (x896) folder is given as a default)—I can put it anywhere I want?

If so I wonder why Microsoft bothered to make two different folders.

in general, if an app is 64-bit it will tell you its 64-bit on the download page, normally the 32bit ones are selected by default and you have to manually select the 64 bit apps,

the reason microsoft gave you 2 different folders is (i assume) so that YOU know at a glance whats X86 and whats X64 but that last bit is just a guess

Johnjr said:

Thanks for the answers, but I’m still not positive I understand. You both seem to be saying it doesn’t make ay difference at all if I put a program in the “Program files” or the “Program files (x86)” folder. Right? So to take a specific example, I download a chess program to put on my new computer, and it is downloaded as a zip file. When I unpack the file it asks where I want it saved (and neither the Programs folder nor the (x896) folder is given as a default)—I can put it anywhere I want?

If so I wonder why Microsoft bothered to make two different folders.

Hi John


OK you have the zip file on your desk top, and save it to the desk. It is still not installed. You double click the installer and it will put itself in the correct folder. Which folder it is doesnt matter, as long as the computer knows where it is and it does because it records its location on install.

Hope this clears it up


Kenn J+

Johnjr said:

Thanks for the answers, but I’m still not positive I understand.

There isn't really anything to understand. Leave it as the default. If a program wants to use the x86 folder, let it. Once you install the software, it makes no difference in the end. It's not like you'll have two program folders on your start menu.

Johnjr said:

If so I wonder why Microsoft bothered to make two different folders.

So the programs could be kept separate by platform for organizational sake. If you were a developer, you'd clearly want to see them separated. As an end user, you are spending time worrying about something that shouldn't be a worry at all. Just let the installer use whichever they pick as the default.