Windows 10: Are the Program Files and Program Files (x86) folders important?

Hi,

I was wondering how important the two mentioned folders are when installing a software. I know most programs suggest being installed to one of them, but it is really necessary? What happens if I choose another folder?

I use the game client Steam for example. It wants to go into C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam

Does it matter if I place it in C:\Another Folder\Steam?

Are there any programs that MUST be installed in either Program Files or Program Files (x86) to work properly?

On my desktop computer I have one SSD disk (C) and one regular hard disk (D). Here I have always installed software to D:\Program Files and never seen any issues with that (note that this Program Files folder was made by me and not by Windows. Those folders are located on the C drive but never used by me).

The reason I'm asking is because I'd like to sync a few folders from a software located in \Program Files\ using Synology Cloud Station. For some reason it does not have access to the Program Files folders on the C drive (but it can access the one on D drive).

:)

 

Program Files (x86) (x86)

I have folders for program files, program files (x86) and program files (x86) (x86). Believe the program files (x86) (x86) is based on loading an incompatible Lexmark printer software as the only folder within is Lexmark 3500-4500 series. Tried to delete
folder but states "action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program. I have uninstalled all associated printer/software from system but can't seem to delete this folder. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thx

 

Trouble Deleting folders in "Program Files (x86)

Ron,

Is this Steam?

There have been lots of similar reports by Steam users lately.

• You could try searching the forum for Steam cannot delete folder or similar
• You could use the well-thought-out guidance in
  PCR response to Steam folder delete question
• You could boot from an installation disk then delete the folders from its command prompt window

Best of luck,

Denis

 

It does not matter where you install software. Most save config in AppData's or ProgramData's folders anyway.

This is the reason, why it is better to install Steam elsewhere (preferably other drive like D).
Because restrictions could cause problems launching games, which require admin rights.

 

Thank you for the quick reply TairikuOkami!

 

I have to disagree with installing programs to a second HDD instead of the SSD, especially games. The whole reason why I have an SSD is to increase performance. If I am running my games from the slower HDD rather than the SSD, then I am not taking advantage of the full performance increase offered by the SSD. I want all my programs to load faster from the SSD, not just Windows.

 

You can create multiple partitions on SSD and install steam on those.

 

I tend to agree, yes, but still my SSD does not have much storage and quickly fills up when I have Steam (or other games) installed on it rather than the HDD.
And regarding the computer related to the topic issue, it only has one HDD, no SSD.