This is a compatibility feature designed for old 32-bit programs. The ones in the “C:\Program Files” folder are 64-bit, while the ones in the “C:\Program Files (x86)” folder are 32-bit. That’s why different programs are spread across the two Program Files folders, seemingly at random. On a 64-bit version of Windows, 64-bit programs are stored in the “C:\Program Files” folder and 32-bit programs are stored in the “C:\Program Files (x86)” folder. This contains all your installed programs, all of which are 32-bit. In summary, on a 32-bit version of Windows, you just have a “C:\Program Files” folder. 64-bit programs still use the normal Program Files folder. When you run a 32-bit program on a 64-bit edition of Windows, the WOW64 emulation layer seamlessly redirects its file access from “C:\Program Files” to “C:\Program Files (x86).” The 32-bit program tries to access the Program Files directory and is pointed to the Program Files (x86) folder.
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