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We recently examinedthe difference between theRoamingandLocalAppDatafolders in Windows.
One commenter wondered further what the difference between theAppDataandProgramDatafolders is.
Let’s take a look at these two folders and find out how their roles differ.
As we discussed before,AppDatais a folder inside your user directory.
It contains data that is specific to your account.
Usually, this includes configuration tweaks that are particular to your instance of an installed program.
TheProgramDatafolder is located at the root of yourC:drive.
It wouldn’t make sense to have multiple copies of common data spread across multiple user folders.
So as a contrast, Google Chrome should useAppDatato store data about your controls and extensions.
An antivirus program would useProgramDatato store definition information.
The former letsmultiple computer usersall work with their own Chrome profile.
And the latter lets all users benefit from the same information without wasting space duplicating it.
Image Credit: mmaxer/Depositphotos
That’s all there is toAppDataandProgramData.
They’re bothfolders that you shouldn’t need to touchunder normal circumstances.
Did you know the difference between these two folders?
Be sure to share this with your friends to educate them about Windows, too!
