How to Edit the Windows Registry

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

The Windows Registry is a database of settings for every Windows preference, application, user, and all attached devices for your computer. You can use the built-in Windows Registry Editor to change those settings, thereby improving performance and making Windows work the way you want. You can also seriously mess things up. This guide tells you how to make a backup, edit the Windows Registry, and restore the backup if something goes wrong.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Making a Registry Backup

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Do this before you edit it so you can revert to the pre-edited version if necessary.
The Run window opens.

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If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to open the Registry Editor.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Editing the Registry

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The Registry contains two basic elements: keys and values. If you know the key you want to edit, press Control+f to open the Find dialog box. ^{[1]
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When you find the key, double-click it to edit the value data.
Some edits may require a Windows restart to take effect.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Restoring a Registry Backup

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Keep track of your edits so you can return them to their original value if desired. If you make multiple unsatisfactory edits, you may want to restore your entire Registry backup rather than correct each edit.

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Registry entries required for network connectivity are missing. What do I do?

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Adding registry entries is much harder than removing them. You should probably reinstall your network driver.

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What are Registry files called?

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They're called "reg entries." Some files may take the extension "reg," and when you open them, they automatically add or edit reg entries.

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Can I change my registry keys after I've been hacked?

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No, you have to use system restore to go back to an earlier date before you can change the registry keys.

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Tips

If you have restricted access to the Windows computer you are logged into, you may not be able to access the Windows Registry.

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Store your backup file on an external drive.

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