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64 bit Firefox version 63.0 installs in Program Files folder instead of Program Files (x86) folder

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  • Last reply by Barry

Barry
Barry
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This is not a question; it is meant to help others.

Dell Inspiron 5759, which is a 64 bit machine. Windows 10 is up-to-date.

The default Firefox installer download puts Firefox in the wrong folder on this machine, resulting in bad behavior from Windows 10.

The default download page, https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/, downloads Firefox Installer.exe 18.5.0.0, which installs in C:\Program Files\.

To get Firefox to install in C:\Program Files (x86)\ you have to download it from https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/, and choose Windows 64-bit. Then you get Firefox Setup 63.0, which automatically installs in C:\Program Files (x86).

Windows's behavior is different when Firefox is running from the different folders. When Firefox is installed in C:\Program Files, Windows 10 Control Panel "Choose default apps by file type" does not list Firefox as an option for .pdf files. When Firefox is installed in C:\Program Files (x86), Firefox is listed as an option.

This is not a question; it is meant to help others. Dell Inspiron 5759, which is a 64 bit machine. Windows 10 is up-to-date. The default Firefox installer download puts Firefox in the wrong folder on this machine, resulting in bad behavior from Windows 10. The default download page, https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/, downloads Firefox Installer.exe 18.5.0.0, which installs in C:\Program Files\. To get Firefox to install in C:\Program Files (x86)\ you have to download it from https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/, and choose Windows 64-bit. Then you get Firefox Setup 63.0, which automatically installs in C:\Program Files (x86). Windows's behavior is different when Firefox is running from the different folders. When Firefox is installed in C:\Program Files, Windows 10 Control Panel "Choose default apps by file type" does not list Firefox as an option for .pdf files. When Firefox is installed in C:\Program Files (x86), Firefox is listed as an option.

Chosen solution

"Program Files (x86)" is for 32bit applications, the "Program Files" folder for 64bit programs.

The Firefox for Windows from www.mozilla.org is a online stub installer while you can download the full offline setup of 32-bit or 64-bit (Win64) for Windows at www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/

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James
James
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Chosen Solution

"Program Files (x86)" is for 32bit applications, the "Program Files" folder for 64bit programs.

The Firefox for Windows from www.mozilla.org is a online stub installer while you can download the full offline setup of 32-bit or 64-bit (Win64) for Windows at www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/

Modified by James

Barry
Barry Question owner
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James, I see that you're right; the "Program Files (x86)" folder is for 32 bit programs, and the "Program Files" folder is for 64 bit programs. (Programs Files vs Program files link text)

Also, I wrote, Pannebaker said

...Firefox Setup 63.0, which automatically installs in C:\Program Files (x86).

That was incorrect; I remember this morning that when I installed the 64 bit version, I manually told it to install in the x86 folder.

My purpose for this thread was to help others; I'm afraid I may have just confused readers. My apologies.

Modified by Barry