Если вы видите это сообщение, значит, произошла проблема с загрузкой файлов в стилей (CSS) нашего сайта. Попробуйте сбросить кэш браузера (Ctrl+F5).
Если это не поможет, а вы находитесь в регионе, где возможны ограничения интернет-трафика с российских серверов — воспользуйтесь VPN.
|
Папка Programm Files — ну это такая системная папка в которую ссылается автоматически все программы и компьютерные игры, она находится на системном диске и ее невозможно удалить и горе тому кто ее смог удалить. автор вопроса выбрал этот ответ лучшим Berka 11 лет назад Это системная папка, в которой находятся изначально установленные, программы данного компьютера, еще до его покупки, и часть тех, которые Вы уже установили на него, сами. Это очень важная папка, основополагающая, я бы сказала. Удалять ее, ни в коем случае, нельзя. Это приведет к нарушения работы компьютера. Можно только почистить, убрав программы, которые Вам точно, не нужны. Удалять программы, можно и через панель управления, зайдя в раздел «Программы и компоненты». Но иногда этого оказывается недостаточно, и программа, удаляется не полностью, что-то остается в папке «Программа файлов». Вот тогда, я захожу туда, и удаляю то, что осталось от ненужных программ, непосредственно, в папке «Программа файлов». Зачищаю, в общем. Reste 11 лет назад Папка Program Files — содержит файлы установленные в ходе платформы Windows на данный вид устройства. Присутствующие файлы в ней несут важные системные файлы как и некоторые программы установленные в этой папке. И удаление файлов касающихся папок Windows приведет к критическому состоянию системы. Просто не удаляйте от туда того чего не знаете. Holli-m 11 лет назад И ещё. Эта папка всегда находится на диске С, и его ни в коем случае никогда нельзя форматировать!!! Иначе случиться то о чём написали в предыдущем ответе! Знаете ответ? |
This article needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (January 2025)
Program Files is the directory name of a standard folder in Microsoft Windows operating systems in which applications that are not part of the operating system are conventionally installed. Typically, each application installed under the ‘Program Files’ directory will have a subdirectory for its application-specific resources. Shared resources, for example resources used by multiple applications from one company, are typically stored in the ‘Common Files‘ directory.
In a standard Windows installation, the ‘Program Files’ directory will be at %SystemDrive%\Program Files (or the localized equivalent thereof), and the ‘Common Files’ (or the localized equivalent thereof) will be a subdirectory under ‘Program Files’. In Windows Vista and later, the paths to the ‘Program Files’ and ‘Common Files’ directories are not localized (translated) on disk. Instead, the localized names are NTFS junction points to the non-localized locations. Additionally, the Windows shell localizes the name of the Program Files folder depending on the system’s user interface display language.
Both ‘Program Files’ and ‘Common Files’ can be moved. At system startup, the actual paths to ‘Program Files’ and ‘Common Files’ are loaded from the Windows registry, where they are stored in the ProgramFilesDir and CommonFilesDir values under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion. They are then made accessible to the rest of the system via the volatile environment variables %ProgramFiles%, and %CommonProgramFiles%. Applications can also obtain the locations of these paths by querying the Setup API using dirids, or through Windows Management Instrumentation, or by querying the shell using CSIDLs, or ShellSpecialFolderConstants. These are all localization-independent methods.
x86-64 and IA-64 versions of Windows have two folders for application files: The Program Files folder serves as the default installation target for 64-bit programs, while the Program Files (x86) folder is the default installation target for 32-bit programs that need WoW64 emulation layer. While 64-bit Windows versions also have a %ProgramFiles(x86)% environment variable, the dirids and CSIDLs are not different between 32-bit and 64-bit environments; the APIs merely return different results, depending on whether the calling process is emulated or not.[1]
To be backwards compatible with the 8.3 limitations of the old File Allocation Table filenames, the names ‘Program Files’, ‘Program Files (x86)’ and ‘Common Program Files’ are shortened by the system to progra~N and common~N, where N is a digit, a sequence number that on a clean install will be 1 (or 1 and 2 when both ‘Program Files’ and ‘Program Files (x86)’ are present).
If Windows is installed on an NTFS volume, by default, the ‘Program Files’ folder can only be modified by members of the ‘Administrators’ user groups. This can be an issue for programs created for Windows 9x. Those operating systems had no file system security, and programs could therefore also store their data in ‘Program Files’. Programs that store their data in ‘Program Files’ will usually not run correctly on Windows NT systems with normal user privileges unless security is lowered for the affected subdirectories.
Windows Vista addressed this issue by introducing File and Registry Virtualization. When this UAC virtualization is enabled for a process, Windows saves changes to the ‘Program Files’ folder to %LocalAppData%\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86).[2]
«Program Files» appeared in Windows 95. «Common Files» appeared in Windows 98.[3]
An unknown Windows NT version uses «Common» instead of «Common Files».[4] Windows 2000 does not seem to exhibit this behavior.[3] The CSIDL documentation mentions that «CSIDL_PROGRAM_FILES_COMMON» requires Shell32 version 5.0 (Windows 2000 and ME), but says it is only valid on Windows XP (6.0).[5]
| Language of Windows | Name of the folder that stores program files |
Name of the folder that stores shared program files |
|---|---|---|
| English | Program Files | Common Files |
| Arabic | Program Files (ملفات البرامج (x86) for WoW64) | Common Files |
| Chinese (Simplified, Traditional, Taiwan) | Program Files | Common Files |
| Czech | Program Files | Common Files |
| Danish | Programmer | Fælles filer |
| Dutch | Program Files | Common Files |
| Finnish | Program Files | Common Files |
| French | Programmes * | Fichiers communs |
| German | Programme | Gemeinsame Dateien |
| Hebrew | Program Files | Common Files |
| Hellenic (Greek) | Αρχεία Εφαρμογών | Common Files |
| Hungarian | Programfájlok | Common Files |
| Italian | Programmi | File comuni |
| Japanese | Program Files | Common Files |
| Korean | Program Files | Common Files |
| Norwegian | Programfiler | Fellesfiler |
| Polish | Program Files (Pliki programów (x86) for WoW64) | Common Files |
| Portuguese | Programas | Ficheiros comuns |
| Portuguese (Brasil) | Arquivos de Programas | Arquivos comuns |
| Romanian | Program Files | Common Files |
| Russian | Program Files | Common Files |
| Spanish | Archivos de programa | Archivos comunes |
| Swedish | Program | Delade filer |
| Turkish | Program Files (Program Dosyaları (x86) for WoW64) | Common Files |
| * In Windows Vista and later versions. (The folder name was the same as in English in the older versions of Microsoft Windows.) |
- WinFS
- File system
- Directory (computing)
- 64-bit computing
- ^ «winapi — SHGetFolderPath() 32 bit vs 64 bit». Stack Overflow.
- ^ Inside Windows Vista User Account Control by Mark Russinovich
- ^ a b Emulated system images from https://copy.sh/v86/
- ^ «Special Folders and Custom Folders». learn.microsoft.com. November 2012.
- ^ «CSIDL (Shlobj.h) — Win32 apps». learn.microsoft.com. 22 March 2021.
CSIDL_PROGRAM_FILES_COMMON FOLDERID_ProgramFilesCommon Version 5.0. A folder for components that are shared across applications. A typical path is C:\Program Files\Common. Valid only for Windows XP.
- Karp, David A.; O’Reilly, Tim; Mott, Troy (2005). Windows XP in a nutshell (2nd ed.). O’Reilly Media. p. 512. ISBN 978-0-5960-0900-7.
- Shilmover, Barry; Sjouwerman, Stu (2001). Windows 2000 power toolkit (1st ed.). Que Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7357-1061-0.
- microsoft.com, Microsoft does not support changing the location of the Program Files folder by modifying the ProgramFilesDir registry value
- microsoft.com, Why is the Program Files directory called Program Files instead of just Programs?
- The Windows system folders — General overview.
- superuser.com, How can I find the short path of a Windows directory/file?
- helpdeskgeek.com, Why Does Windows 7 64-bit Need Two Program Files Folders?
Program data in Windows 10 is stored in a specific location on the system drive. By default, this location is typically found at “C:ProgramData”. The ProgramData folder is a hidden system folder that stores application data and settings for all users on the computer.
It is important to note that the ProgramData folder might be hidden by default, but you can access it by enabling the display of hidden files and folders in the Windows File Explorer. To access it, you can open File Explorer, navigate to the C: drive, and then enter “C:ProgramData” in the address bar.
Within the ProgramData folder, you will find subfolders for various installed applications. These subfolders contain program-specific data such as configuration files, logs, and other files that are necessary for the applications to function properly.
Keep in mind that modifying or deleting files in the ProgramData folder may have an impact on the functioning of the associated applications. It is recommended to only make changes in this folder if you are knowledgeable about the specific application and its data requirements.
Video Tutorial:Can Program Files be moved to D drive?
What is the difference between Program Files and program data?
Program Files and Program Data are two important directories on a Windows operating system that serve different purposes.
Program Files is a directory where applications and software are typically installed. When you install a program, the necessary files, resources, and executables are stored in the Program Files directory. Each application gets its own separate folder within Program Files to keep things organized. This directory is usually located in the system drive (usually C:Program Files) and is protected to ensure the integrity and security of the installed programs. Users typically do not have write access to this directory, and it requires administrative privileges to make changes to its contents.
On the other hand, Program Data is a directory that stores data files and settings related to the applications installed on the system. These files are common to all users and are usually accessible by multiple programs. For example, application preferences, shared libraries, cached data, and other program-specific data might be stored in this directory. Program Data can be found in the system drive (usually C:ProgramData) and, similar to Program Files, it is typically locked down to normal users for security purposes.
In summary, Program Files is where the actual program files and executables are stored, and Program Data is where shared data and settings that multiple applications rely on are kept. These directories have different roles in maintaining the functionality and security of the applications and system as a whole.
Where are hidden files in Windows 10?
Hidden files in Windows 10 are typically stored in specific system directories, which are intentionally concealed by default to prevent accidental modification or deletion by users who may not have the technical knowledge to handle them properly. However, if you need to access hidden files for various reasons, such as troubleshooting or making specific modifications, you can follow these steps:
1. Open the File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E or by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar.
2. In the File Explorer, click on the “View” tab, located in the top menu.
3. Within the “View” tab, make sure the “Hidden items” checkbox is selected. This will enable visibility for hidden files and folders.
4. Once you’ve enabled the display of hidden files, navigate to the location where the hidden file is expected to be. This could vary depending on the specific file you’re seeking, as hidden files can be found in various directories throughout the Windows system.
5. If you still can’t locate the hidden file, you can utilize the search bar at the top right of the File Explorer window. Enter the name of the hidden file and ensure that you’ve selected the option to search in hidden files and folders.
Remember to exercise caution when modifying or deleting hidden files, as they are often critical system files that can affect the stability and functionality of your Windows operating system. It is always recommended to seek guidance or consult with experts if you are uncertain about handling hidden files properly.
Where do I find program data?
As a tech blogger, I can guide you on where to locate program data on various platforms. The specific location of program data varies depending on the operating system you are using. I’ll provide you with some general information:
1. Windows: On Windows systems, you can usually find program data in the “Program Files” or “Program Files (x86)” folder on your main system drive (usually the C: drive). This folder contains the installation files and other program-related data for the applications installed on your computer.
2. macOS: On macOS, application data is typically stored in the “Applications” folder. However, it’s important to note that individual apps might store their data in different locations, such as within the user’s “Library” folder or in the app’s own application support folder. To access these folders, you can go to Finder and select “Go” from the menu bar, then choose “Go to Folder” and type in the path to the desired location.
3. iOS: On iPhones and iPads running iOS, each app runs in its own sandboxed environment, meaning their data is isolated from other apps. App data is typically stored within the app’s container in the device’s internal storage. Users cannot directly access this data unless the app itself provides a file-sharing feature or through device backups made using iTunes or Finder.
4. Android: For Android devices, app data can be found in the internal storage. The specific location varies depending on the app, but common locations include the “Android/data” directory or within the app’s package name folder in the “data” directory. You can use file managers or access the file system through developer tools to navigate to these directories.
It’s important to note that manipulating program data can have unintended consequences or may violate software licensing terms, so it’s advisable to exercise caution and consult official documentation or support channels provided by the app developers if you need to interact with program data for specific applications.
Can I move ProgramData folder to another drive?
Yes, you can move the ProgramData folder to another drive on your computer. However, it’s important to note that modifying system folders like ProgramData requires administrator privileges and should be done with caution. Here’s a general guide on how you can proceed:
1. Create a backup: Before making any changes, it is strongly recommended to create a backup of your important files and data. This will ensure that you can revert back if any issues occur during the process.
2. Log in as an administrator: Ensure that you are logged in to your computer with an administrator account, as modifying system folders requires administrative privileges.
3. Locate the ProgramData folder: By default, the ProgramData folder is located on the system drive (usually the C: drive) in the “C:ProgramData” directory. Identify the new drive where you want to move the folder.
4. Stop background services: Some services may be actively using files within the ProgramData folder, so it’s crucial to stop them before proceeding. You can do this by opening the Services application (services.msc) in Windows, locating the relevant services, and stopping them temporarily.
5. Move the ProgramData folder: Copy the entire ProgramData folder from its original location (C:ProgramData) to the new drive. Make sure to maintain the folder structure and contents.
6. Create a symbolic link: To ensure compatibility and avoid issues with software that relies on the ProgramData folder’s default location, you can create a symbolic link. This will redirect requests for the original folder to the new location. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and use the `mklink` command to create a symbolic link. For example:
“`
mklink /J “C:ProgramData” “D:ProgramData”
“`
Here, “C:ProgramData” should be replaced with the original location of the ProgramData folder, and “D:ProgramData” should be replaced with the new location you copied the folder to.
7. Restart your computer: Restart your computer to ensure that all changes take effect properly.
It’s important to note that modifying system folders can have unintended consequences if not done correctly. It’s always recommended to proceed with caution and ensure you have backups of your important data in case anything goes wrong.
How do I see what programs are running in the background Windows 10?
To see what programs are running in the background in Windows 10, you can use the Task Manager, a built-in system utility. Here’s how you can access it:
1. Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen and select “Task Manager” from the context menu that appears. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.
2. The Task Manager window will open, showing the currently active applications and processes. By default, it will open in the “Processes” tab, which displays the programs currently running on your computer.
3. In the “Processes” tab, you’ll find a list of all the running processes, including both applications and background services. The list shows the name, CPU usage, memory usage, and other details for each process.
4. To identify background processes, you can look for tasks that are not associated with running applications or utilities you have opened. Background processes often have names related to system functions or specific services.
5. If you want to see even more details about the processes, you can click on the “More details” button at the bottom left corner of the Task Manager window. This will expand the view and provide additional information.
That’s it! You can now see what programs and processes are running in the background on your Windows 10 system using the Task Manager.
How do I move the program data folder in Windows 10?
To move the program data folder in Windows 10, you can follow these steps:
1. Ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows 10 PC.
2. Close any programs or processes that may be using the program data folder.
3. Create a new folder at the desired location where you want to move the program data folder. You can do this by right-clicking on an empty space in the target location, selecting “New,” and then choosing “Folder.”
4. Once the new folder is created, copy all the content from the original program data folder to the newly created folder. You can do this by opening the original program data folder (usually located in “C:ProgramData”) and selecting all the files and folders within it. Right-click and choose “Copy,” then go to the newly created folder and right-click and choose “Paste.”
5. After the data has been copied successfully, you will need to redirect Windows to look for the program data in the new folder. Open the Start Menu, search for “Command Prompt,” and run it as an administrator.
6. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command: “mklink /J C:ProgramData “new_folder_path”” (without the quotes). Replace “new_folder_path” with the full path of the new folder you created. For example, if the new folder is located at “D:NewProgramData,” the command would be “mklink /J C:ProgramData “D:NewProgramData”.”
7. Press Enter to execute the command. You should see a message saying, “Junction created for C:ProgramData <> new_folder_path.”
8. Close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer. Windows will now use the newly created folder as the program data location.
Do keep in mind that modifying system files and folders like the program data folder can have unintended consequences, so it’s always a good idea to backup important data and proceed with caution.
{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@type”:”FAQPage”,”mainEntity”:[{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What is the difference between Program Files and program data?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Program Files and Program Data are two important directories on a Windows operating system that serve different purposes.nnProgram Files is a directory where applications and software are typically installed. When you install a program, the necessary files, resources, and executables are stored in the Program Files directory. Each application gets its own separate folder within Program Files to keep things organized. This directory is usually located in the system drive (usually C:Program Files) and is protected to ensure the integrity and security of the installed programs. Users typically do not have write access to this directory, and it requires administrative privileges to make changes to its contents.nnOn the other hand, Program Data is a directory that stores data files and settings related to the applications installed on the system. These files are common to all users and are usually accessible by multiple programs. For example, application preferences, shared libraries, cached data, and other program-specific data might be stored in this directory. Program Data can be found in the system drive (usually C:ProgramData) and, similar to Program Files, it is typically locked down to normal users for security purposes.nnIn summary, Program Files is where the actual program files and executables are stored, and Program Data is where shared data and settings that multiple applications rely on are kept. These directories have different roles in maintaining the functionality and security of the applications and system as a whole.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Where are hidden files in Windows 10?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Hidden files in Windows 10 are typically stored in specific system directories, which are intentionally concealed by default to prevent accidental modification or deletion by users who may not have the technical knowledge to handle them properly. However, if you need to access hidden files for various reasons, such as troubleshooting or making specific modifications, you can follow these steps:nn1. Open the File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E or by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar.n2. In the File Explorer, click on the “View” tab, located in the top menu.n3. Within the “View” tab, make sure the “Hidden items” checkbox is selected. This will enable visibility for hidden files and folders.n4. Once you’ve enabled the display of hidden files, navigate to the location where the hidden file is expected to be. This could vary depending on the specific file you’re seeking, as hidden files can be found in various directories throughout the Windows system.n5. If you still can’t locate the hidden file, you can utilize the search bar at the top right of the File Explorer window. Enter the name of the hidden file and ensure that you’ve selected the option to search in hidden files and folders.nnRemember to exercise caution when modifying or deleting hidden files, as they are often critical system files that can affect the stability and functionality of your Windows operating system. It is always recommended to seek guidance or consult with experts if you are uncertain about handling hidden files properly.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Where do I find program data?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”As a tech blogger, I can guide you on where to locate program data on various platforms. The specific location of program data varies depending on the operating system you are using. I’ll provide you with some general information:nn1. Windows: On Windows systems, you can usually find program data in the “Program Files” or “Program Files (x86)” folder on your main system drive (usually the C: drive). This folder contains the installation files and other program-related data for the applications installed on your computer.nn2. macOS: On macOS, application data is typically stored in the “Applications” folder. However, it’s important to note that individual apps might store their data in different locations, such as within the user’s “Library” folder or in the app’s own application support folder. To access these folders, you can go to Finder and select “Go” from the menu bar, then choose “Go to Folder” and type in the path to the desired location.nn3. iOS: On iPhones and iPads running iOS, each app runs in its own sandboxed environment, meaning their data is isolated from other apps. App data is typically stored within the app’s container in the device’s internal storage. Users cannot directly access this data unless the app itself provides a file-sharing feature or through device backups made using iTunes or Finder.nn4. Android: For Android devices, app data can be found in the internal storage. The specific location varies depending on the app, but common locations include the “Android/data” directory or within the app’s package name folder in the “data” directory. You can use file managers or access the file system through developer tools to navigate to these directories.nnIt’s important to note that manipulating program data can have unintended consequences or may violate software licensing terms, so it’s advisable to exercise caution and consult official documentation or support channels provided by the app developers if you need to interact with program data for specific applications.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Can I move ProgramData folder to another drive?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Yes, you can move the ProgramData folder to another drive on your computer. However, it’s important to note that modifying system folders like ProgramData requires administrator privileges and should be done with caution. Here’s a general guide on how you can proceed:nn1. Create a backup: Before making any changes, it is strongly recommended to create a backup of your important files and data. This will ensure that you can revert back if any issues occur during the process.nn2. Log in as an administrator: Ensure that you are logged in to your computer with an administrator account, as modifying system folders requires administrative privileges.nn3. Locate the ProgramData folder: By default, the ProgramData folder is located on the system drive (usually the C: drive) in the “C:ProgramData” directory. Identify the new drive where you want to move the folder.nn4. Stop background services: Some services may be actively using files within the ProgramData folder, so it’s crucial to stop them before proceeding. You can do this by opening the Services application (services.msc) in Windows, locating the relevant services, and stopping them temporarily.nn5. Move the ProgramData folder: Copy the entire ProgramData folder from its original location (C:ProgramData) to the new drive. Make sure to maintain the folder structure and contents.nn6. Create a symbolic link: To ensure compatibility and avoid issues with software that relies on the ProgramData folder’s default location, you can create a symbolic link. This will redirect requests for the original folder to the new location. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and use the `mklink` command to create a symbolic link. For example:nn “`n mklink /J “C:ProgramData” “D:ProgramData”n “`nn Here, “C:ProgramData” should be replaced with the original location of the ProgramData folder, and “D:ProgramData” should be replaced with the new location you copied the folder to.nn7. Restart your computer: Restart your computer to ensure that all changes take effect properly.nnIt’s important to note that modifying system folders can have unintended consequences if not done correctly. It’s always recommended to proceed with caution and ensure you have backups of your important data in case anything goes wrong.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”How do I see what programs are running in the background Windows 10?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”To see what programs are running in the background in Windows 10, you can use the Task Manager, a built-in system utility. Here’s how you can access it:nn1. Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen and select “Task Manager” from the context menu that appears. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.nn2. The Task Manager window will open, showing the currently active applications and processes. By default, it will open in the “Processes” tab, which displays the programs currently running on your computer.nn3. In the “Processes” tab, you’ll find a list of all the running processes, including both applications and background services. The list shows the name, CPU usage, memory usage, and other details for each process.nn4. To identify background processes, you can look for tasks that are not associated with running applications or utilities you have opened. Background processes often have names related to system functions or specific services.nn5. If you want to see even more details about the processes, you can click on the “More details” button at the bottom left corner of the Task Manager window. This will expand the view and provide additional information.nnThat’s it! You can now see what programs and processes are running in the background on your Windows 10 system using the Task Manager.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”How do I move the program data folder in Windows 10?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”To move the program data folder in Windows 10, you can follow these steps:nn1. Ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows 10 PC.nn2. Close any programs or processes that may be using the program data folder.nn3. Create a new folder at the desired location where you want to move the program data folder. You can do this by right-clicking on an empty space in the target location, selecting “New,” and then choosing “Folder.”nn4. Once the new folder is created, copy all the content from the original program data folder to the newly created folder. You can do this by opening the original program data folder (usually located in “C:ProgramData”) and selecting all the files and folders within it. Right-click and choose “Copy,” then go to the newly created folder and right-click and choose “Paste.”nn5. After the data has been copied successfully, you will need to redirect Windows to look for the program data in the new folder. Open the Start Menu, search for “Command Prompt,” and run it as an administrator.nn6. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command: “mklink /J C:ProgramData “new_folder_path”” (without the quotes). Replace “new_folder_path” with the full path of the new folder you created. For example, if the new folder is located at “D:NewProgramData,” the command would be “mklink /J C:ProgramData “D:NewProgramData”.”nn7. Press Enter to execute the command. You should see a message saying, “Junction created for C:ProgramData <> new_folder_path.”nn8. Close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer. Windows will now use the newly created folder as the program data location.nnDo keep in mind that modifying system files and folders like the program data folder can have unintended consequences, so it’s always a good idea to backup important data and proceed with caution.”}}]}
-
Home
-
Partition Magic
- Program Files or Program Files (x86)? Here Are the Differences
By Irene |
Last Updated
You may find two program files folders on your PC: one is C:\Program Files; and another is C:\Program Files (x86). Why does Windows 10 need two program files folders? What are the differences between them? If you are interested, check out this post from MiniTool.
If you’re running a 64-bit version of Windows operating system, you may notice that there are two program file folders on your PC. Why does Windows 10 use two different folders to store programs files? Is there any difference between them? You must be curious about that. Well, the following will give you more information.
Program Files(x86) vs Program Files: What’s the Difference
When talking about the program files and program files x86 folders, you should know that there are 32-bit and 64-bit Windows OS (You can click here to figure out whether your computer is 32 bit or 64 bit).
On 64-bit versions of Windows, 64-bit applications will be installed to the Program Files folder. However, 64-bit versions of Windows also support 32-bit programs by using a compatibility layer called WoW64. To separate the 32-bit and 64-bit programs on your PC, Microsoft chooses to install 32-bit programs to the C:Program Files (x86) folder.
In conclusion, the major difference between Program Files and Program Files (x86) is that the first one Program Files only contains 64-bit programs and applications, while the latter one Program Files (x86) only contains 32-bit programs and applications.
Why Does Windows 10 Separate the 64-bit and 32-bit Programs
Windows 10 separates the 64-bit and 32-bit Programs by using different program file folders, which is very convenient for users to distinguish them.
Besides, it also considers the software conflicts issue. If you install both a 32-bit and 64-bit version of the same program on your PC, it may cause conflicts. By installing them in different folders, the possibility of conflicts can be greatly reduced.
In addition, the separation ensures that the old 32-bit programs can work properly and reduces the chance of them accidentally interacting with 64 bit software. So you can find that there is no downsides to separate the 64-bit and 32-bit programs on your Windows OS.
Why Does Windows Name the 32-bit Folder ” Program Files(x86)”
X86 is another way of referring to 32-bit processors. Initially, 16 bit processors (especially the 8086 and 8088 processor architectures) were known as “x86”. The name was later extended to include the 32-bit 80386 and 80486 processor families.
When 64 bit processors were introduced, they were called x64 to distinguish the newer 64-bit architecture from the old processor lines. So sometimes people also use “x86” and “x64” to refer to the “32-bit” and “64-bit architectures. And that’s the reason why Windows names the 32-bit program folder as Program Files(x86).
Conclusion
After reading this post, you should know the difference between Program Files folder and Program Files (x86) folder as well as why Windows 10 separates 64-bit and 32-bit programs on your PC. If you have any questions or different opinions regard the folders, you can share it with us by leaving a message in the comment zone.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Irene joined MiniTool in 2018 and has since become a professional in the areas of disk management and Windows tricks. Irene’s expertise allows her to assist clients with managing their hard drives, optimizing their Windows operating system, and troubleshooting any technical issues that arise.
В Windows 10, 8 и Windows 7 на системном диске, обычно диске C, имеется папка ProgramData, и по поводу этой папки у пользователей возникают вопросы, такие как: где находится папка ProgramData, что это за папка (и почему она вдруг появилась на диске), для чего она нужна и можно ли её удалить.
В этом материале подробные ответы на каждый из перечисленных вопросов и дополнительная информация о папке ProgramData, которая надеюсь, разъяснит её назначение и возможные действия над ней. См. также: Что за папка System Volume Information и как ее удалить.
Начну с ответа на вопрос о том, где находится папка ProgramData в Windows 10 — Windows 7: как уже было сказано выше, в корне системного диска, обычно C. Если вы не наблюдаете этой папки, то просто включите показ скрытых папок и файлов в параметрах проводника панели управления или в меню проводника.
Если после включения отображения папки ProgramData нет в нужном расположении, то возможно, что у вас свежая установка ОС и вы пока не устанавливали значительного числа сторонних программ, кроме этого есть и другие пути к этой папке (см. пояснения далее).
Что за папка ProgramData и зачем она нужна
В последних версиях Windows установленные программы хранят настройки и данные в специальных папках C:\Users\имя_пользователя\AppData\ а также в папках документов пользователя и в реестре. Частично информация может храниться и в папке самой программы (обычно в Program Files), но в настоящее время всё меньше программ так делают (в этом их ограничивает Windows 10, 8 и Windows 7, так как произвольная запись в системные папки не безопасна).
При этом указанные расположения и данные в них (кроме Program Files) свои для каждого пользователя. В папке ProgramData, в свою очередь, хранятся те данные и настройки установленных программ, которые являются общими для всех пользователей компьютера и доступны каждому из них (например, это может быть словарь для проверки орфографии, набор шаблонов и пресетов и подобные вещи).
В ранних версиях ОС те же данные хранились в папке C:\ Пользователи (Users)\ All Users. Сейчас такой папки нет, но в целях совместимости этот путь перенаправлен на папку ProgramData (в чем можно убедиться, попробовав ввести C:\Users\All Users\ в адресную строку проводника). Ещё один путь, позволяющий найти папку ProgramData — C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\
Исходя из вышесказанного, ответы на следующие вопросы будут такими:
- Почему папка ProgramData появилась на диске — либо вы включили показ скрытых папок и файлов, либо перешли с Windows XP на более новую версию ОС, либо недавно установили программы, которые стали хранить данные в этой папке (хотя в Windows 10 и 8, если не ошибаюсь, она есть сразу после установки системы).
- Можно ли удалить папку ProgramData — нет, нельзя. Однако: изучить её содержимое и удалить возможные «хвосты» программ, которых уже нет на компьютере, а возможно и какие-то временные данные того ПО, которое еще есть, можно и иногда может быть полезным для того, чтобы освободить место на диске. На эту тему см. также Как очистить диск от ненужных файлов.
- Чтобы открыть эту папку, вы можете просто включить показ скрытых папок и открыть ее в проводнике. Либо ввести в адресную строку проводника путь к ней или один из двух альтернативных путей, перенаправляющих в ProgramData.
- Если папки ProgramData нет на диске, то либо вы не включили отображение скрытых файлов, либо очень чистая система, на которой нет программ, которые бы сохранили что-то в неё, либо у вас на компьютере установлена XP.
Хотя по второму пункту, на тему того, можно ли удалить папку ProgramData в Windows более точным будет такой ответ: вы можете удалить из неё все вложенные папки и скорее всего, ничего страшного не произойдет (а в дальнейшем часть из них будут созданы заново). При этом нельзя удалить вложенную папку Microsoft (это системная папка, удалить её возможно, но делать этого не стоит).
На это всё, если остались вопросы на тему — спрашивайте, а если есть полезные дополнения — делитесь, буду благодарен.