iTunes 9 (64-bit version) installs on "\Program Files (x86)" on Windows 7: is this normal?

Solution 1:

I searched on my own (well, I should have done that earlier) in the Apple Support Communities and I found this and this thread. It seems that there is no 64-bit version. The simplest explanation is:

There is no 64 bit iTunes. The 64 bit installer installs 64 bit drivers but 32 bit itunes.

Solution 2:

You should at least be able to see if your iTunes (or any other program) runs in 64-bit or 32-bit mode. When looking in the task manager the processes are indicated with 32- or 64-bit... At least they are in XP 64-bit.

Solution 3:

It is not critical that applications be installed in their proper folder ("Program Files (x86)" or "Program Files"). In fact, you can install all your 32-bit and 64-bit applications together in "C:\HereTheyAre" without any problems if you wish. They best way to tell is in the Task Manager, you will see *iTunes.exe 32. iTunes is indeed 32-bits.

I have a relatively big collection (30000 items) and iTunes only currently takes up about 100MB of RAM. Since the main benefit of 64-bit is access to more memory (or better integration with the OS where applicable), it is understandable that they don't take the effort of releasing and maintaining it both versions.

What benefits would you expect from a 64-bit version?