What is SYSWOW64?!

dler27

Prominent
Jan 28, 2018
16
0
510
I've searched trough the windows dirrectory and was on a adventure in my computer then I saw a weird looking name called ''SYSWOW64''. And I was like WAT? Honestly I thinked my computer was like ''SYSTEM WOOOW!!'' But no.. Now to the point..
1. What is syswow64?
2. Why is it called ''WOW''?
3. Why is it even called SYSWOW???
And what is that SYSWOW64 folder?
 
Solution
From what I read, here’s what I got...

You remember System32? That’s the system directory for 64-bit files (essential for the os to run) SysWOW64 is the same thing but for 32 bit files.

As for the name...I have no idea...ask the Microsoft ceo.

jgustin7b

Commendable
Nov 17, 2017
1,216
0
1,660
From what I read, here’s what I got...

You remember System32? That’s the system directory for 64-bit files (essential for the os to run) SysWOW64 is the same thing but for 32 bit files.

As for the name...I have no idea...ask the Microsoft ceo.
 
Solution

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
IIRC

1. Windows System folder (system directory) for 32-bit files
2. WOW64 is actually WoW64 = Windows on Windows64 (IIRC means Windows32-bit applications on Windows64-bit system)
3. It's a "System" aspect = SYS, its WoW64 (so WOW64)

Should be clear by this point, but the folder(s) house system files for 32bit applications.