What is the ProgramData folder in Windows and what is it used for?
with users because they are important to the proper functioning of the system. The ProgramData folder is one of them found in modern versions of Windows within the C: partition on the hard drive. The folder contains the running data of most programs and applications installed on the computer for sharing with all other user accounts on the same computer, which highlights the difference between it and the hidden AppData folder as well. In this article let us explain more details and discover the role of the ProgramData folder and how to access it on Windows.
Let us agree in principle that the programs and applications we install store their data in different places in Windows. It depends on the mechanism used in application programming. It is possible that the program adds settings data in the AppData folder, the contents of which differ between multiple accounts on the device. Games and most computer programs also store user files in the Documents folder for easy access and backup. It is no secret to most Windows users that programs also store some data in the registry, but they have a custom file in the folder Program Files or (Program Files (x86). So, what is the function of the ProgramData folder here?
Simply put, this folder contains shareable driver files for all user accounts on your computer. We have mentioned in the previous lines that there is a folder named AppData that is created individually for each account on the device because the program files stored in it are related to the user, for example the history of sites visited by Google Chrome, the names of files uploaded by IDM, etc. . Therefore, these files are not entitled to be shared or accessed by other user accounts.
On the other hand, the ProgramData folder has the general program files for all users, or, as Microsoft says, "this folder is used for non-user program data." For example, antivirus programs store their settings and virus logs within this folder to be available to all users on your computer instead of storing multiple copies of them in each user's AppData folder. Note that this folder is created whether or not you have multiple accounts on your computer.
You can access the ProgramData folder in several ways, such as typing "C: \ Users \ All Users" or "C: \ ProgramData" in the path bar of File Explorer or activating the Show hidden files in Windows option and then heading to the C: partition on your hard drive. It's next to Program Files. After opening the folder you will find that the contents of the same as the contents of the folder AppData, but the difference as we pointed out that these files are shared by all users.
Do not attempt to delete or rename the folder because it is as unacceptable as trying to delete System32 . Generally, you won't find any important files in this folder that need to be backed up. Most programs use this folder as a temporary place to store data that should be available to all users.