We're calling on all EU-based Mozillians with iOS or iPadOS devices to help us monitor Apple’s new browser choice screens. Join the effort to hold Big Tech to account!

Avatar for Username

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Why is 64-bit Firefox running from Program Files (x86)?

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by MartyJames

MartyJames
MartyJames
more options

I've just found out that a 64-bit version of Firefox has been available for a couple of years now! Why hasn't my version of Firefox hasn't been automatically upgraded to the 64 bit version?

I decided to try manually installing the 64-bit version, so I went to the download page (https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all/?q=English%20(US)#product-desktop-release) and specifically downloaded the 64-bit version. But to my surprise, this program wanted to install to Program Files (x86)!

To my further surprise, I checked in the Task Manager, and the version I'm already running has no asterisk next to it, suggesting that it's 64-bit. Yet it's installed in Program Files (x86)!?

According to this Mozilla support page: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/custom-installation-firefox-on-windows, the 64-bit version of the program is supposed to be installed in Program Files.

This is so confusing. Can anyone help?

I've just found out that a 64-bit version of Firefox has been available for a couple of years now! Why hasn't my version of Firefox hasn't been automatically upgraded to the 64 bit version? I decided to try manually installing the 64-bit version, so I went to the download page (https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all/?q=English%20(US)#product-desktop-release) and specifically downloaded the 64-bit version. But to my surprise, this program wanted to install to Program Files (x86)! To my further surprise, I checked in the Task Manager, and the version I'm already running has no asterisk next to it, suggesting that it's 64-bit. Yet it's installed in Program Files (x86)!? According to this Mozilla support page: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/custom-installation-firefox-on-windows, the 64-bit version of the program is supposed to be installed in Program Files. This is so confusing. Can anyone help?

Chosen solution

When Firefox updated from 32bit to 64 bit, it didn't change the location it was installed to. If you want to change the location, you'll need to uninstall first, then verify the location again.

I'll note, it doesn't matter where the program is installed, if it's 64bit it'll run in 64bit mode

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (2)

user633449
user633449
more options

Chosen Solution

When Firefox updated from 32bit to 64 bit, it didn't change the location it was installed to. If you want to change the location, you'll need to uninstall first, then verify the location again.

I'll note, it doesn't matter where the program is installed, if it's 64bit it'll run in 64bit mode

MartyJames
MartyJames Question owner
more options

Thank you Tyler, that is helpful. I will leave the program where it is then :)