Soon, If you install Google Chrome on 64-bit Windows, it will be installed into C:Program Files directory instead of C:Program Files (x86). Google is making the required changes to the Chrome installer for this to happen.
Google and Microsoft always recommend users to upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit for Chrome and Windows for better security and new features. When it comes to Windows, 64-bit apps can’t run on 32-bit Windows.
Google started offering the 64-bit version of the browser from Chrome 37 onwards in 2014. The company announced then the stable version of Chrome with 64-bit support on Windows, will improve Chrome speed, security, and stability.
Microsoft has recently decided to stop releasing 32-bit Windows 10 to OEMs for distribution, this applies from Windows 10 2004 version onwards.
By this time, you should expect most using apps, processors, and Windows of 64-bit architecture.
In the case of Chrome and new Microsoft Edge, the old thing is still continuing. If you install a 64-bit version of the browser, it gets installed into Program Files (x86) directory, but not into Program Files.
The issue now being addressed by Google. Going forward 64-bit version of Chrome will be installed in C:Program Files by default.
Install 64-bit browser versions under "C:Program Files" by default Browsers installed under "C:Program Files (x86)" remain in that directory and will continue to be updated. They must be uninstalled first to be reinstalled under "C:Program Files".
You should expect Microsoft to make changes to Edge Installer following Chrome’s. Microsoft Edge Community Manager confirmed they follow Chromium on this matter already.
For the uninitiated, 32-bit version of Windows will have Program Files folder for 32-bit apps, whereas the 64-bit version of Windows will have Program Files and Program Files (x86) for 64 and 32-bit apps respectively.
In Task Manager, 32-bit Chrome will be shown as Chrome 32.exe where 64-bit Chrome will appear as Chrome.exe. [Thanks to Ericlaw].
Related articles:
Find out Firefox or Chrome running 32-bit or 64-bit?
64-bit Chrome for Windows is Now Available on Beta Channel
64-bit Chrome for Window 7 and Windows 8 is now available on Canary and Dev channels
Firefox 51: About window tells your Firefox is 32-bit or 64-bit
