GPP allows you to add, remove, or modify registry parameters, values, and keys on domain-joined computers. Are stored within the data set and will not be lost if a registry is deleted or a new profile is created. ¶Registry entries subordinate to this key allow you to access performance data. The data is not actually stored in the registry; the registry functions cause the system to collect the data from its source.

  • Only advanced users should make changes to the Windows registry and administrators should always create a backup of the registry before making changes.
  • You should really update this to mention that after loading and modifying another user’s registry, you have to unload it manually.
  • In Figure 1 above, the Hive that we are in is HKEY_CURRENT_USER.
  • Domain – This is a policy applied to all computers and users in the Active Directory domain.

Let us go through the five main branches or hives of the Windows registry. The Windows registry is a database that stores the configuration settings required for your computer to work properly.

Method 2: Create a Backup of the Entire Windows Registry

In fact, it is a mirror of the corresponding sub-branch of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE which is made accessible by itself as a root key for compatibility reasons. Microsoft first introduced a Registry in the 16-bit Windows 3, but it contained only this information. HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT allows program code written for Windows 3 to work without modification, but it also provides a convenient way for today’s software to access a frequently used class of Registry data. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE is the branch that contains information relating specifically to the computer itself. Examples of this include the installed hardware and software, drivers for the hardware and configuration data for the software.

what is windows 10 registry

Registry entries include paths of shared files and program libraries used by various programs. These entries become invalid when they point to the shared files that are moved from the original locations or have been deleted. Registry Cleaner intelligently scans and identifies such invalid Registry entries. To rename a registry key, right-click on that key and select Rename. Registry keys stdole can be modified, renamed or deleted by the Windows Registry Editor.

Configure Registry Settings

The first step of the wizard is intended for specifying the name and location of the damaged file you want to recover. In the advanced mode, this can be done in a number of ways. To select a damaged registry file, enter its full name and path into the input field located in the center of the program window or use the standard Windows open file dialog. You can also select one of the files you used in the past from the dropdown list, which can be opened by clicking a small button with a downward arrow in the right part of the input field. Once you’ve entered the name of the file to be recovered, you can proceed to the next step by clicking the Next button at the bottom of the program window. After you confirm your intention to proceed, the program will start analyzing the structure of the file . The duration of this stage depends only on the size of the file being processed and the speed of your computer.