Where Is the ProgramData Folder on Windows?
The hidden ProgramData folder for machine wide app data, and how it differs from AppData.
Last updated
ProgramData (C:\ProgramData) is the machine wide sibling of AppData: settings, templates, caches and databases shared by every user on the PC, written by installers and services and readable by standard users. Per user settings belong in Roaming or Local AppData instead.
It stays hidden by default to discourage casual deletion, and the default ACL gives Users only read and execute. Rummaging inside can break updates, licensing and services for all accounts at once. Developers target it as C:\ProgramData\<Vendor>\<App>; the XP era twin was All Users\Application Data.
Where Windows stores this, by platform
C:\ProgramData
Also %ProgramData% and %ALLUSERSPROFILE%. Hidden system folder; per machine data (Package Cache, vendor trees, shared indexes) versus per user %APPDATA% and %LOCALAPPDATA%. Standard users cannot write without installer granted ACLs. Never delete inside casually.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ProgramData and AppData?
Scope. ProgramData holds machine wide data shared by all users (one copy per PC); AppData holds per user data (one copy per account). Roaming AppData follows domain profiles, Local does not, and ProgramData follows neither.
Can I delete files in ProgramData to free space?
Only with a specific target in mind, like a documented vendor cache. Blind deletion breaks installers, licensing and services for every user. Start with Disk Cleanup and the app's own cache settings instead.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.