Difference between Program Files (x86) and Program Files folders
The two different program files are available only in the 64-bit operating system. The 32-bit operating system will have only a single program file folder. The main difference is that the program file folder with file path “C:\Program Files” is used to execute 64-bit applications while the program files (x86) folder with file path “C:\Program Files (x86)” is used to execute 32-bit applications. A 32-bit program cannot load 64-bit libraries, the overlap of two folders can result in a functional error. The Microsoft developers smartly created two distinct folders, to let us have a closer view of both the folders. Combining both folders into one could create problems if a program was available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, like say, Microsoft Office. To avoid possible conflicts and compatibility issues, Windows has two Program files folders.
32-bit vs 64-bit
As the name indicates, the 32-bit operating system stores a fewer data as compared to 64 bit OS. Looking at the other hand, the 64-bit operating system is more apparent if a large amount of RAM available on your computer. If you are still using a 32-bit Microsoft operating system, you will find only a single “program file” folder in your computer system. Whereas, the popular 64-bit version of operating systems Microsoft contains two different folders one to support 64-bits programs and another for 32-bit programs. The separation of folders has been created to avoid the problems and issues that can occur when a 32-bit program tries to be executed by a 64-bit component. therefore, the folders are designed in such a way that Program Files store 64-bit programs, and Program Files (x86) store 32-bit programs.
Why a 32-bit folder named “x86”
It must have triggered your mind that why a 32-bit program folder named “x86” whereas, a 64-bit is simply “x64”. The earlier 16-bit version of the operating system contained Intel -8086 chip. Later, the version was updated to 32-bit and therefore the 32-bit folder is named against Intel 8086 chip i.e., program files(x86). The 64-bit version contained 64-bit architecture which in turn is called (x64). The type of processors is Pentium 286, 386, 486, and 586.
Both Program Files (x86)” and “Program Files can run on 64-bit
Program files are a directory of the third-party application software installed on the computer. Both 32-bit and 64-bit software programs can run on 64-bit Windows operating systems. It happens with the help of the emulation layer used in 64-bit Windows for backward compatibility. Whereas, a 64-bit program cannot run on a 32-bit operating system. Therefore, a single program folder is found in such an operating system that can run on 32-bit programs.
Automatic installation
As we explained earlier, both the program files can run on a 64-bit OS without any harm to any of the programs. The process takes place on its own, irrespective of manual interference. The 32-bit emulator performs when a 32-bit program is run on a 64-bit Windows. The same action is taken by the 64-bit emulator. The error may occur in the case of a manual installation or programs affected by malware. Some of the programs in the hard drive are compatible only with 32 -bit or 64-bit emulators therefore a wrong installation can hamper the working of programs correctly.
