system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: On Windows 64-bit, why do I see Program Files and Program Files (x86), and what is the difference?

I'm also a bit confused about when I download certain programs if I should get the 64 or 86 version, wouldn't 86 be more "power", or are these 2 completely different things?

EDIT: Woo, front page! Thanks for the knowledge!
gpt
Using "x86" to denote 32-bit programs is an old homage to the Intel 8086 processor, but it is a bit of a confusing name to non-savvy users.

Processors can execute programs by either processing 32 bits at a time, or 64 bits at a time. If you have 64bit Windows, your computer can process both 32 and 64 bits at a time, so when you have a choice you could download either the 64 or 32, but 64 would be recommended.

x86 isn't more powerful than x64 because an x86 processor can only handle 32bits of information at a time (the number is confusing).

Now in general, a 64bit computer can be more powerful than a 32bit computer, this is due to the amount of RAM a 64bit computer can support (random access memory, its where your computer puts stuff while it's working on it, sorta like how you pull files out of your filing cabinet and work on them on your desk).

Program Files (x86) is where Windows stores all the information for the 32bit programs it has installed, to answer your title question.