Learn about the Program files folder in Windows
How to open the Program files folder
By default, the Program Files folder is found on the root directory of the primary hard drive, with the path C: Program Files . To open this folder on your computer, follow the steps below.
Step 1. Open File Explorer.
Step 2. Select This PC or This Computer .
Step 3. Open the C: drive.
Step 4. Open the Program Files or Program Files (x86) folder .
Learn about the Program files folder in Windows Picture 1
What programs should be in the Program Files folder?
The Program Files folder and the Program Files (x86) folder contain all of the software program folders that are installed on the computer.
Is it possible to delete Program Files or Program Files (x86) ?
The answer is no! Cannot delete Program Files or Program Files. They are both part of Windows and the default location where Windows installs your program files. If you delete either of these folders, all programs installed in the folder are also deleted.
Learn about the Program files folder in Windows Picture 2
This problem was mentioned by TipsMake in the article: 6 default files and folders Windows should not touch.
Tips:
If you want to recover hard drive space, we recommend you to uninstall programs, not delete these folders. For help uninstalling a program see: 7 ways to remove a software, remove an application on a Windows computer.
What is the progra ~ 1 directory?
Early versions of MS-DOS and Windows only supported the 8.3 file naming format, so the folder name "Program Files" was too long. Due to backward compatibility, the "Programs Files" folder will appear as "progra ~ 1" (up to 8 characters). These days, since all operating systems support long files, this directory name is rarely seen.
You should read it
- How to access WindowsApps folder on Windows 10 and Windows 8?
- How to Add an 'Open With Notepad As Administrator' Shortcut to the Context Menu in Windows 7 and Windows Vista
- How to Open Zip Files
- How to Open SWF Files
- 6 ways to rename files and folders in Windows 10
- 7 ways to fix Windows error showing an empty folder even though there are files inside
- Delete junk files, temporary files in Windows
- How to Open DAT Files
- What is the Windows.old folder and how do you delete it?
- How to Open DLL Files
- How to Delete a File in Microsoft Windows Using Batch Files
- How to Set Password for Folder and File in Windows
May be interested
How to change or restore Desktop folder icon in Windows
How to play Windows 95, 98 games without emulator
Windows operating system is 35 years old, everything you need to know about Windows
How to customize the Taskbar with TaskbarX
How do set app password on iOS 14?
How to create USB BOOT containing many Windows installers (XP / 7/8/10)