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Differences between System32 and SysWOW64 in Windows 10/11
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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If you were ever curious and have browsed the content of your computer from time to time, you may have noticed something interesting.
Those of you that have a 64-bit version ofWindows 10installed have 2 folders labeledPrograms, the only difference being that one is also noted with (x86) at the end.
Besides these 2 folders, 64-bit versions of Windows also come with two separateDLLlibrary folders, known as System32 and SysWOW64.
Many of you may be curious as to what precisely is the purpose of these folders. That is precisely why we’ve created this article: to explain the difference between System32 and SysWOW64 folders in Windows 10.
System32 vs SysWOW64 in Windows 10
1. System32
System32 contains Windows system files, both .DLL library files used byprogramsand .EXE program utilities which are a part of Windows. Additionally, most of the files that are present here belong to theOperating System.
However, third-party applications can come with their ownDLLfiles, and they can be stored here as well.
Finally, regardless of where you actually install a program, the system-wide libraries that they use ar regularly located in System32 and SysWOW64.
For fixes related to missing .DLL files, check out this in-depth guide
2. SysWOW64
The 64 in the name actually refers to the fact that it can also contain Microsoft’s Windows 32-bit on Windows 64-bit software, which is a part of theoperating system.
This is what lets Windows to run 32-bitprogramson a 64-bit version of Windows.WoW64 automatically redirects file access to ensureprogramswill work properly.
There are two possible scenarios when installing a program:
3. System32 and SysWOW64
On a 32-bit computer, the data is stored as follows:
On a 64-bit computer, the data is stored as follows:
Why are the names so confusing?
In the end, it seems that it all boils down to habits and hardcoding.32-bit applications were hardcoded to use the C:\Windows\System32 directory.
When they were recompiled for 64-bit versions of Windows, developers continued to use the C:\Windows\System32 directory.As such, the library kept its name in order to avoid complete coding overhaul.
If you want more articles about the most commonly-asked questions, let us know in the comments section below.
Teodor Nechita
Eager to help those in need, Teodor writes articles daily on subjects regarding Windows, Xbox, and all things tech-related.
When not working, you may usually find him either at the gym or taking a stroll in the park, trying to find inspiration for the next articles he may write.
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