Is it necessary to place x64 programs not in the x86 program files

[vsub]

I have many portable programs and some of them are x64. This is probably a stupid question but is there is any reason why should I place the x64 programs in "Program Files" and the x86 programs to "Program Files x86" or I can place them wherever I want regardless of x64/86

 

[AddRAM]

Let windows do the install, no need to adjust anything.

 

[vsub]

They are portable programs(no installation)so I can place them wherever I want but the point is,do I need to place the x64 programs in "Program Files" and the x86 programs in "Program Files (x86)" or they will work the exact same way no matter where I place them.

I created a folder called Tools in both "Program Files" folders and I place the x64 in Program Files\Tools and the x86 to Program Files (x86)\Tools

 

[ignatzatsonic]

In my experience, if they are portable and require no installation, they can be placed anywhere--wherever suits your sense of organization. I regard mine as data and therefore don't even keep them on the C partition.

 

[DavidE]

In my experience, if they are portable and require no installation, they can be placed anywhere--wherever suits your sense of organization. I regard mine as data and therefore don't even keep them on the C partition.

I agree, that's my experience as well.
I created a "Portable Apps" partition and put all of them there.

 

[Layback Bear]

vsub

Your are making it way to complicated.

As long as it runs on your system no need for all that stuff to worry about. Windows 7 working with the program will take care of it.

The way I do it.
Download the program.
Put in on the desktop or a folder where I can find it.
Run the program when I want to and let Windows 7 decide how to open and run it. Whether it be 32 or 64 bit.

 

[LMiller7]

For installed applications it is recommended but not necessary to install them in the "Program Files" or "Program Files (x86)" folders as appropriate. This avoids some potential difficulties that may occur when there are both 32 and 64 bit versions installed, as is the case with a number of Windows applications. Programs that are not installed can be placed wherever it is deemed appropriate. You could even put a 64 bit program in "Program Files (x86)" folder and Windows wouldn't care, although this may cause confusion for you.

 

[AddRAM]

Jack is right, you are making it wayyy to complictaed, just create a folder named software and store them there. Those 2 folders you speak of are for installed apps. There`s no reason to go into them. You don`t store software in them.

All the software you like to download and use, whether it be the exe file for a full installation or what you or I like to call portable is stored on my Software and Images drive.

Rufus
WintoBootic
Intel Burn Test

etc. Just 3 I can think of run no matter where you put them, If you use them alot just put their icons on the taskbar or the start menu and they run fine.

 

[Alejandro85]

Interesting question.
Windows itself don't cares about "program files" and "program files (x86)" at all, and don't applies anything special to either of them or any other location for the matter, as others have already said, so it's totally irrelevant. The actual reason for having program files splited is mostly because backwards compatibility for x86 programs and to easily allow both versions to coexist at the same time, but other than an organization thing it has no effect.

I would just follow the convention to make it consistent with installers and better organization, but it's not necesary.

There is an important observation about program files and portable programs, permissions. The program files folders are read-only for plain users (that's why UAC popups when copying files into it). Portable programs are meant to save its settings to their main folder, but in program files it won't be able to save them. Installable programs are made to save its settings to AppData instead, where each user has appropriate permissions.
Just for that I would chose to keep portables out of program files.

 

[BrassCat]

When I first saw how win7 wanted to split the installation, I didn't like it. My programs are installed in my P:\ (named PROGRAMS) partition. My intent was to have all non win7 system programs installed in the P: root directory, all application name, so I can get there quickly. Now I have gone to making each P:\ program folder before I download the setup zip (or whatever), then putting that in the same folder as I intend the program itself will install. Keeps it all together nicely. Win7 can tell if the application is 32 or 64 bits, and runs accordingly. With Corel paint shop (has both 32 & 64 on CD), the installation itself made the split; made two folders 32 and 64 under my Corel subdirectory. I have had no problems with this approach. Well, perhaps only when program installs misbehave and install on the C: anyway, even after asking.

Stan

 

[tblob]

I thought Program Files was somewhat protected. If you put a portable program in there, and it tries to write to its INI file, it could be redirected to Virtual Store, depending on user and permissions.

 

[DavidE]

When I first saw how win7 wanted to split the installation, I didn't like it. My programs are installed in my P:\ (named PROGRAMS) partition. My intent was to have all non win7 system programs installed in the P: root directory, all application name, so I can get there quickly. Now I have gone to making each P:\ program folder before I download the setup zip (or whatever), then putting that in the same folder as I intend the program itself will install. Keeps it all together nicely. Win7 can tell if the application is 32 or 64 bits, and runs accordingly. With Corel paint shop (has both 32 & 64 on CD), the installation itself made the split; made two folders 32 and 64 under my Corel subdirectory. I have had no problems with this approach. Well, perhaps only when program installs misbehave and install on the C: anyway, even after asking.

Stan

The OP question is about where to place Portable programs.
Portable programs are NOT installed...