To get around this conundrum, Windows created two file folders; one to contain the older 32 bit programs (x86) and one for the 64 bit programs. When a program goes looking to interact with another program, it will keep interaction confined to the program file folder in which it resides.

Why are there two Program Files folders in Windows 10?

The second folder labeled Program Files (x86) is the default location for all of your 32-bit applications. Since you previously upgraded your computer to Windows 10, and you downgraded it, the system could have created a duplicate Program Files folder. That’s why it’s showing 4 Program Files on your drive.

Why do I have two Program Files?

What’s Stored In Each Folder

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. That’s why different programs are spread across the two Program Files folders, seemingly at random.