¶ Registry Editor and System Tweaks
- A built-in Windows tool used to view and modify the Windows Registry.
- The registry stores configuration settings for Windows, hardware, users, and applications.
- Incorrect changes can cause system issues.
- Press Win + R
- Type
regedit
- Press Enter
- Approve User Account Control (UAC) prompt
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE (HKLM) – System-wide settings
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER (HKCU) – Current user settings
- HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT (HKCR) – File associations
- HKEY_USERS (HKU) – All user profiles
- HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG (HKCC) – Hardware configuration
- String Value (REG_SZ) – Text data
- DWORD (32-bit) – Numeric values (0/1 common)
- QWORD (64-bit) – Large numeric values
- Binary Value – Raw data
- Open Registry Editor
- Select key or Computer
- Click File → Export
- Save
.reg backup file
- Navigate to required registry path
- Create or modify key/value
- Set correct data type and value
- Close Registry Editor
- Restart system or sign out if needed
- Disable startup programs
- Modify UI behavior (taskbar, context menu)
- Enable or disable Windows features
- Control update and security settings
- Customize system performance options
- Double-click
.reg file
- Confirm security warning
- Registry settings merge automatically
¶ 9. Permissions and Restrictions
- Administrator rights required for system-level keys
- Registry access may be restricted by Group Policy
¶ 10. Best Practices and Safety
- Always back up before making changes
- Modify only known and documented keys
- Avoid registry cleaners
- Test tweaks on non-production systems first