Norton Security (NS) on two PCs but install paths are different. Why?

1st machine: -
Desktop install path - C:\Program Files (x86)\Norton Security\Engine\22.19.8.65\uistub.exe

NS has been installed on this PC for over 4 years.
Desktop was originally Windows 8.1 but was upgraded to Windows 10 on 20th August 2019.
OS = Win 10 Home 64-bit v1903 build 18362.356.

2nd machine: -
DELL laptop install path - C:\Program Files\Norton Security\Engine\22.19.8.65\uistub.exe
NS was installed on DELL Windows 10 64-bit OS laptop on 16th November 2018.
OS = Win 10 Home 64-bit v1903 build 18362.356.

According to Symantec (Norton) the program is 32-bit only so why is the DELL laptop NS installed in the 64-bit 'path' and the Desktop NS installed in the 32-bit 'path'? Any ideas?

Thanks.

wiganken said:

Any ideas?

No, but only to say that the 'Program Files' and 'Program Files (x86)' names are for your convenience only. W10 has no requirement for x86 or x64 software to be installed in it's specific folder. It will work wherever it is installed (even in a custom location outside either of the Program Files folders).

I note that the install dates are nearly a year apart. Perhaps Norton have modified their installer in that time? Maybe a year ago it just used 'Program Files' regardless, and now it uses the appropriate folder?

OK, thanks for that. I didn't realise that 'Program Files' and 'Program Files (x86)' were just names. It begs the question "Why are both folders there and not just one folder"? Is it a legacy thing that some older programs need the (x86) pathway?

The two different names are there for clarity, rather than as the mandated location for installation. Having two folders also means you could install both the 32 and 64 bit versions of an app. Not all apps insist you use the same version as your OS. Macrium will insist you do, but others like VLC will let you install and use both.

Thanks a lot. As far as I am concerned I'll call this thread closed now.