Why does windows automatically save the registry

This article discusses a by-design behavior where Windows no longer automatically backs up the system registry to the RegBack folder starting in Windows 10, version Starting in Windows 10, version , Windows no longer automatically backs up the system registry to the RegBack folder. This change is by design, and is intended to help reduce the overall disk footprint size of Windows. To recover a system with a corrupt registry hive, Microsoft recommends that you use a system restore point.

If you have to use the legacy backup behavior, you can re-enable it by configuring the following registry entry, and then restarting the computer:. Remember, the Registry includes system-level configurations that are necessary for proper operation.

Although Windows tries to back up the Registry before important changes are made to the system, it isn't perfect. For example, Windows won't automatically back up the Registry when you attempt to make changes by hand. So before you do something risky -- whether editing Registry values, cleaning out the Registry, installing a dodgy app, or whatever else -- it's always smart to back up the Registry yourself. Fortunately, this is very easy:. This creates a REG file that contains the entire status of your system's current Registry.

You can also create a partial backup if you select a specific key in the Registry, right-click on it, then select Export. This partial backup would only contain that particular key and its subkeys. Note that your system's current Registry will be overridden by every key in the backup file, and if a key exists in the file but doesn't exist in your Registry, it will be created. Always be careful when restoring a Registry backup. While there's no need to be afraid of the Registry, you should exercise caution any time you plan on modifying it.

One bad tweak, even something as innocent as a typo, can accidentally mess up Windows. Furthermore, think twice before running a Registry cleaner app. That is when and why Windows automatically saves the Registry.

Your system files, programs, and registry settings will be affected by a System Restore. As a result, all changes made to these files will be undone. System Restore will not impact your Documents folder or personal files such as photos, emails, or other documents, but it may cause files on your desktop to disappear.

Before doing a System Restore, you may want to move your personal documents from your desktop to a safe location. To restore the registry from an exported hive, select the desired Registry key in the left pane of the Registry Editor and click Restore. Go to the previously backed-up file. When the confirmation box appears, click OK. Alternatively, you can simply double-click the backed-up. If you find this challenging, you can always utilize free tools to accomplish the same.

RegBack — A free Registry backup software that allows you to back up and restore the Windows Registry in a matter of seconds. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you want to study programming, a logical question arises: what language appears to be the best?

In this article,…. Username or Email Address. Remember Me. Administrators can modify the registry by using Registry Editor Regedit.

We recommend that you use the Windows user interface to change your system settings instead of manually editing the registry. However, editing the registry may sometimes be the best method to resolve a product issue. If the issue is documented in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, an article with step-by-step instructions to edit the registry for that issue will be available. We recommend that you follow those instructions exactly.

Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall the operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk. The navigation area of Registry Editor displays folders. Each folder represents a predefined key on the local computer.

Microsoft Management Console MMC hosts administrative tools that you can use to administer networks, computers, services, and other system components. The Group Policy MMC snap-in lets administrators define policy settings that are applied to computers or users. Create a Registration Entries. You can run the. For more information, see How to add, modify, or delete registry subkeys and values by using a Registration Entries.

For more information about these methods, visit the following Microsoft Web sites:. RegDelete method. RegRead method. RegWrite method. WBEM is an industry initiative to develop a standard technology for accessing management information in an enterprise environment.

You can use WMI to automate administrative tasks such as editing the registry in an enterprise environment. For help with the Reg. To restore registry subkeys that you exported, double-click the Registration Entries.