Where should I store an executable program in Windows?

Question

I have a little utility that I need to use, and I'm not sure where to have users save it in windows.

I want to know what is the Windows directory equivalent of /usr/bin?

Answer 1

Applications in Windows should be stored under the program files folder. This folder defaulta to

• C:\Program Files (environment variable %ProgramFiles%)

or to

• C:\Program Files (x86) (environment variable %ProgramFiles(x86)%) for 32-bit applications on a 64-bit version of Windows.

See also point 2.4 of the Windows Logo Requirements:

The application should install to the Program Files folder by default.

Answer 2

You should put it in a new folder in the "Program Files" directory. Then append that folder to the PATH variable (right-click "My computer" > Properties > Advanced > Environment Variables). As in *nix, the PATH variable defines which programs can be started without specifying the absolute path.

For example, I have all the gnuwin32 tools in "C:\Program Files\gnuwin32\bin" and added that folder to my PATH variable. Now I can directly use Unix tools like tar on Windows.