Windows 10: Any serious risk in installing outside Program Files?

Is there a definitive answer to this question?

There are programs that by default install in a sub-directory on C drive, but outside Program Files (or Program files (x86)).

Is there a risk in doing so or, put another way, is there an advantage in installing under Program Files? I don't see any apparent disadvantage from a risk point of view since I consider that a hacker or malware would try and attack any file(s) no matter where they are located on one's hard disk. Even so, perhaps an attack may focus on the more common areas such as Program Files.

:)

 

Any serious risk in installing outside Program Files?

No, the UAC will work wherever the programs are run from. I have made a 'C:\Portable Apps' folder, but everything I've put in it still gets a UAC prompt.

Yes, that's what I use too.

 

Any serious risk in installing outside Program Files?

No but you should check the access permissions the application has set up for its installed folder [Properties, Security, Advanced]. They ought to be the same as those of the Program Files folder and, if they are not, you should contact the software publisher to ask why not.

The installed folder does not "bypass UAC". As long as its security permissions are correct it presents no unusual risk.

Denis

 

Any serious risk in installing outside Program Files?


Is there a definitive answer to this question?

There are programs that by default install in a sub-directory on C drive, but outside Program Files (or Program files (x86)).

Is there a risk in doing so or, put another way, is there an advantage in installing under Program Files? I don't see any apparent disadvantage from a risk point of view since I consider that a hacker or malware would try and attack any file(s) no matter where they are located on one's hard disk. Even so, perhaps an attack may focus on the more common areas such as Program Files.