Registry

Updated: 02/07/2022 past Computer Hope

Windows registry

The registry or Windows registry is a database of data, settings, options, and other values for software and hardware installed on all versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems. When a program is installed, a new subkey is created in the registry. This subkey contains settings specific to that program, such every bit its location, version, and primary executable.

When Windows was initially released (eastward.k., Windows 3.xi), it relied heavily on .ini files to shop Windows and Windows programs configurations and settings. Although .ini files are nonetheless sometimes used, well-nigh Windows programs rely on settings made to the Windows registry later being installed.

Data near the Registry Editor

To view and brand changes to the Windows registry, the Windows Registry Editor (shown beneath) may exist used. In Windows 3.ten, the Registry Editor was known as the Registration Info Editor or Registration Editor. The Registry Editor allows y'all to view all keys and values that are in the registry, and change Windows, plan, or driver values you experience are necessary.

Microsoft Windows Registry Editor

Registry root keys (hive proper noun)

When showtime opening the Windows Registry Editor, information technology displays root keys that contain all registry values. Beneath is a brief description almost each of the near common root keys and the values contained in each of them.

Root Key Description
HKCR (HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT) Describes file type, file extension, and OLE information.
HKCU (HKEY_CURRENT_USER) Contains user who is currently logged in to Windows and their settings.
HKLM (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE) Contains computer-specific data well-nigh the hardware installed, software settings, and other information. The information is used for all users who log on to that computer. This central, and its subkeys, is one of the most ofttimes areas of the registry viewed and edited by users.
HKU (HKEY_USERS) Contains information almost all the users who log on to the calculator, including both generic and user-specific data.
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG (HKCC) The details about the current configuration of hardware attached to the computer.
HKDD (HKEY_DYN_DATA) Only used in Windows 95, 98, and NT, the central contained the dynamic status information and plug and play data. The data may alter as devices are added to or removed from the computer. The data for each device includes the related hardware key and the device's current condition, including problems.

Windows registry values

Below are the different values yous encounter while in the Windows registry and a brief clarification almost what type of information each value can incorporate.

Icon Blazon Proper noun Description
Registry closed key icon Closed primal Like the folders seen in Windows Explorer. These keys are what contain the registry subkeys mentioned beneath.
Open key folder icon Open key When a central is opened, the icon changes to an expanded or open binder and displays all its contents and any additional subkeys.
Registry REG_SZ icon REG_SZ String value Allows for whatever string value to be defined on a single line, such every bit a file path, and is the near commonly found subkey in the registry.
Registry REG_MULTI_SZ icon REG_MULTI_SZ String assortment value Any multi-line string value.
Registry REG_EXPAND_SZ icon REG_EXPAND_SZ Expanded string value Contains a string with environmental or system variables that need to exist expanded. For example, c:\%windir%\example.exe could be the same every bit C:\windows\example.exe.
Registry REG_BINARY binary icon REG_BINARY Binary value Allows for attributes to be defined in binary as either on or off (0 or 1).
Registry REG_DWORD icon REG_DWORD DWORD value Similar to the binary value, but capable of values being divers in either 32-flake decimal or hex.
Registry REG_QWORD icon REG_QWORD QWORD value Like the DWORD, but stored every bit a 64-scrap value.

Should I employ "registry" or "Registry" in my writing?

According to the Microsoft Manual of Style, "registry" is written entirely in lowercase, except when part of a named system component (e.grand., "Registry Editor"), or information technology'due south the beginning discussion of a judgement.

Database, Hive, Operating system terms, Registry cleaner