Difference between Windows Program Files & Program Files (x86)
Ever wondered why 64-bit Windows needs to have two Program Files folders? This is done to separate the 32-bit DLL executables from 64-bit DLLs. It also eliminates the chances of a 32-bit application trying to load a 64-bit DLL, fail, and give an error message. Back in 2005, Microsoft launched both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows operating system. This was done to support new 64-bit CPUs. The 64-bit CPUs have the ability to work with large numbers and access more memory. If you’re running 64-bit Windows operating system, you might have noticed that your PC has two Program Files folders. One is the regular Program Files and the other one is Program Files (x86). But, why is it necessary? What’s the difference between these two folders? Well, to answer these questions, one should understand that 64-bit applications are compiled differently. While a program with 64-bit instructions can’t be read by PCs with 32-bit CPUs, a 32-bit program can be read by 64-bit CPU. Windows has a separat...