Windows 7 – iTunes 9 Installs on Program Files (x86): Is This Normal?

32-bit64-bitituneswindows 7

I downloaded iTunes 9.0.3 (64-bit) on my Windows 7 64-bit OS and I noticed that on installation the default directory was \Program Files (x86). I didn't change this, everything worked a charm.

Nevertheless, I'm curious if this means it's working in a "legacy mode" (32-bit) without taking advantage of the 64-bit OS. Looking in the two separated "Program Files" folders (both 32-bit and 64-bit) I see there are iTunes subfolders inside, although the bulk of the program resides on the x86 one. Is this normal?

Is it critical to install something on the \Program Files (64-bit) folder when you know you have downloaded a 64-bit version of the program? Does the OS know how to recognize 64-bit-capable programs alone? Is there a way to know my iTunes works in 64-bit mode?

Best Answer

I searched on my own (well, I should have done that earlier) in the Apple Support Communities and I found this and this thread. It seems that there is no 64-bit version. The simplest explanation is:

There is no 64 bit iTunes. The 64 bit installer installs 64 bit drivers but 32 bit itunes.

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