The registry or Windows registry is a database of information, 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 as its location, version, and primary executable.

When Windows was initially released (e.g., Windows 3.11), it relied heavily on .ini files to store Windows and Windows programs configurations and settings. Although .ini files are still sometimes used, most Windows programs rely on settings made to the Windows registry after being installed.

Information about the Registry Editor

To view and make changes to the Windows registry, the Windows Registry Editor (shown below) may be used. In Windows 3.x, the Registry Editor was known as the Registration Info Editor or Registration Editor. The Registry Editor lets you view all keys and values that are in the registry, and change Windows, program, or driver values you feel are necessary.

  • Information about the Registry Editor.
  • Registry root keys (hive name).
  • Windows registry values.
  • Should I use “registry” or “Registry” in my writing?
  • Related information.

Registry root keys (hive name)

When first opening the Windows Registry Editor, it displays root keys that contain all registry values. Below is a brief description about each of the most common root keys and the values contained in each of them.

Windows registry values

Below are the different values you encounter while in the Windows registry and a brief description about what type of data each value can contain.

Should I use “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.g., “Registry Editor”), or it’s the first word of a sentence.

Database, Hive, Operating system terms, Registry cleaner

  • How to open and edit the Windows registry.
  • Do I need a Windows registry cleaner?
  • Windows registry help and support.