Windows 10: How to remove "Program Files" and "Program Files x86" folder?

Hi everyone,I wanted to free up some space in my SSD and move the files to my d drive. I moved the "Program Files" and "Program Files x86" to my d drive by dragging them, Now I found out that they are important to run windows and can make my computer a brick if I mess up. So I was wondering how can I move the files back to my SSD without messing anything up?Thank You!

:)

 

program files and program files x86

Hi louandtootsosmundson

The Program Files folder and the Program Files (x86) folders must be kept separate to avoid conflicts

Window will automatically handle those folders, placing 64bit applications in the Program Files Folder and 32bit applications in the Program Files (x86) folder

 

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

 

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).