Backing Up and Restoring Windows 10 Registry

Learn how to back up and restore the Windows 10 Registry with this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re making system changes, installing new software, or troubleshooting issues, preserving your registry is essential. This tutorial covers everything you need to know about backing up and restoring the Windows 10 Registry. Dive deep into step-by-step instructions and essential tips for safeguarding your system settings and ensuring smooth operation.

Numerous registry errors and incorrect work can also cause the system to become inoperable and even stop loading.

What Should I Do If The Windows 10 Registry Is Deleted or Damaged?

Recover The Data Lost Because of The Damaged or Deleted Registry

Registry file recovery software Windows 10

Damage to the registry Windows 10 can cause loss of important data.

Recovering Windows registry, damaged or overwritten system files, file system errors or HDD bad sectors are only some of the things to cause loss of data.

Recovering Windows registry will restore operability of the operating system but it can result in loss of user files. It is not always possible to restore Windows operability without a clean installation of the operating system or resetting the computer which can also cause loss of files.

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How To Create a Backup Copy of The Windows 10 Registry

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How to Recover Windows 10 Registry From a Backup Copy ♻️📝💻

How to Recover Windows 10 Registry From a Backup Copy ♻️📝💻

  1. Start the line «Run» (with a key combination Win + R).

  2. Type in the command regedit and press Enter.

    Command prompt Windows 10: regedit

  3. In the Registry Editor window that opens, select the menu File / Export.

    Registry Editor Windows 10

  4. Specify the path to the place where your registry backup file with the .reg extension should be saved and click Save.

    Export Registry File in Windows 10
  5. Now the registry backup copy is saved.

How To Recover The Registry From a Backup Copy

Method I:

  1. Start the line «Run» (with a key combination Win + R).

  2. Type in the command regedit and press Enter.

    Command prompt Windows 10: regedit

  3. In the Registry Editor window that opens, select the menu File / Import.

    Registry Editor Windows 10: Menu File / Import

  4. Specify the path to the place where a previously saved backup registry file with the .reg extension is stored and click Save.

    Backing Up and Restoring Windows 10 Registry
  5. Restart the computer to complete the process of restoring the registry backup copy.

Method II:

  1. Double-click on the .reg file (it is a file containing the previously saved registry backup copy).
  2. Confirm your decision to edit the registry.
  3. Restart the computer.
Registry Editor Windows 10

Method III:

  1. Right-click on the registry backup file.
  2. Select Merge.
  3. Restart the computer.
Registry Merge into Windows 10

If the computer won’t boot because the registry was damaged, load it in Safe Mode and restore the registry with one of the methods above.

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How to Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode (All Methods) 👨‍💻⚙️🛠️

How to Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode (All Methods) 👨‍💻⚙️🛠️

How To Recover The Registry Using The Command Prompt Windows 10

Recovering the registry using the command prompt is relevant when the computer won’t boot because of the damaged registry.

To do it:

  1. Boot the computer using a system recovery disk.

  2. In the window Choose action select Troubleshooting / Command Prompt.

    Extra options Windows 10

    Note. Registry backup copy is stored in the C:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack. To recover registry from the Command Prompt you need to copy the contents of this folder to C:\Windows\System32\config (the registry file folder).

  3. Copy backup registry files from RegBack folder to config folder using the following commands in the Command Prompt:

    Xcopy c:\windows\system32\config\regback c:\windows\system32\config

    Type each command into the Command Prompt one by one, and press Enter after each command.

    As you enter the last command, exit, the Command Prompt window will close. Restart the computer.

Registry Recovery Software

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How To Clean The Registry, What Programs Can Be Used and How To Do It Manually ♻️📜👨‍💻

How To Clean The Registry, What Programs Can Be Used and How To Do It Manually ♻️📜👨‍💻

There is plenty of software to access and manage Windows 10 registry. Such programs can help you to find and correct registry errors. As a rule, they scan the registry for invalid paths and file types, control elements, obsolete entries and incorrect fonts, obsolete Start menu items, unused file extensions, program startup errors and list all the problems they have found.

With registry recovery software, you can correct errors and therefore restore your operation system back to normal.

Recovery registry Windows 10 c CCleaner

Windows 10 operating systems also have their own utility for such purpose – Regedit.exe

Registry editor Regedit in Windows 10

To start Regedit.exe:

  1. Start the line «Run» (with a key combination Win + R).

  2. Type in the command regedit and press Enter.

    Start command run in Windows 10: regedit

Have you recovered your Windows 10 operating system registry? Leave your feedback and ask questions in your comments.

Vladimir Artiukh

Author: , Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: , Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is the Windows 10 registry and why is it important?

    The Windows 10 registry is a database that stores configuration settings and options for the Windows 10 operating system and all of the software installed on it. It is important because it contains vital information about the system, including user preferences, application settings, hardware settings, and security settings. Without the registry, Windows 10 would not be able to function properly.

  • What are the risks of making changes to the Windows 10 registry?
    1. Incorrect changes to the Windows 10 registry can lead to system instability, crashes, and data loss.
    2. Malware can use the registry to install malicious software, launch programs, and hijack your computer.
    3. Unauthorized changes to the registry can cause compatibility issues with other software, hardware, and drivers.
    4. If you are not careful when making changes to the registry, you can accidentally delete important system files or settings.
  • What is the best way to backup the Windows 10 registry?

    The best way to backup the Windows 10 registry is to use the built-in Windows Registry Editor. To do this, open the Start menu, type regedit, and press Enter. Then, select File > Export and choose a location to save the backup file. Make sure to include the entire registry in the backup.

  • Can the Windows 10 registry be backed up automatically?

    Yes, Windows 10 can back up the registry automatically. To do this, open the Control Panel and go to System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7). Click the "Create a system image" option, then follow the instructions to create a system image. This will back up the registry as part of the system image.

  • How can you restore the Windows 10 registry from a backup?
    1. Open the Start menu and type "regedit" into the search box.
    2. Select the "File" menu and choose "Import".
    3. Select the registry backup file you want to restore and click "Open".
    4. Click "Yes" to confirm the restore operation.
    5. Reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.

Comments (15)

  • Paul
    Paul 6.01.2021 03:49 #
    Ok I can backup the registry ok, but when I try to put it back, using import, I get an error. whats the fix for that? here is the error window text. Cannot import regbackup.reg : Not all data was successfully written to the registry. Some keys are open by the system or other processes, or you have insufficient privileges to perform this operation. I am an Admin, I run regedit as admin, any other tips to remove changes other than copy the system32 config folder files. I suppose I would have had to copy them first before making changes first right, or, is this the restore point... I bet that it is restore point files.. Thanks mate.
    Reply
  • Filiberto Craigen
    Filiberto Craigen 30.12.2019 17:49 #
    Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog? My blog is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would really benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Thanks a lot!|
    Reply
    • Andrey Mareev
      Andrey Mareev 6.01.2020 11:51 #
      You can quote a couple of our articles, ONLY with a link to original.
      Reply
  • Pedalpusher
    Pedalpusher 18.04.2017 20:10 #
    I have a Windows 10 (upgraded from 7) that has been locked by the Microsoft phone scam. I did figure out the syskey they were using and got in, I saved the data like pictures, documents , etc. and tried running system restore(she said she did that too) and it only gave 1 restore point and all it did was just keep running but never finished. SysKey would still come up at start up but I could get into by just typing the code in. I followed some instructions to get it to stop asking for the code and started running into SAM Tool yes or no encryption, I select no and it just goes back to syskey space waiting for me to put the syskey in and when I'm in a loop. I read not to click yes as that will enable the encryption and once that's done you can't remove it except by reinstalling the whole system again. So I have been looking for other ways when I discovered that she does have a recovery drive (right now I have her HD in an external bay) and I would like to find out since I have saved her files that she wanted, if I use that recovery drive (remember this was a windows 7 system upgraded to that free Windows 10) which does have a (7) at the end of it, is it going to take her all the way back to Windows 7 or have those files been changed Windows 10? I once heard it said that after a month on the upgrade that you can never go back.
    Reply
  • Charlee Bloomfield
    Charlee Bloomfield 3.11.2016 21:44 #
    Are there any third-party tools available for backing up and restoring the Windows 10 registry?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 3.11.2016 22:11 #
      Yes, there are several third-party tools available for backing up and restoring the Windows 10 registry. Some of the most popular tools include EaseUS Todo Backup, Acronis True Image, Macrium Reflect, and AOMEI Backupper.
      Reply
  • Gilbert Bailey
    Gilbert Bailey 3.11.2016 19:31 #
    What precautions should you take before editing the Windows 10 registry?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 3.11.2016 20:00 #
      1. Back up your registry. Before making any changes to the Windows 10 registry, it is important to back up your registry. This will help you to restore your system to its previous state in the event of any unexpected problems.
      2. Know what you are doing. Before editing the Windows 10 registry, it is important to understand what you are doing and why. If you do not understand the purpose of the changes you are making, it is best to consult with an experienced computer technician or search online for more information.
      3. Use caution when editing. When editing the Windows 10 registry, it is important to be careful and use caution. Even small changes can have a significant impact on your system, so it is important to be sure of the changes you are making before proceeding.
      4. Be aware of security risks. Editing the Windows 10 registry can potentially open up your system to security risks, so it is important to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect yourself from them.
      Reply
  • Isaiah Rudd
    Isaiah Rudd 3.11.2016 17:29 #
    Is it possible to manually edit the Windows 10 registry?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 3.11.2016 17:55 #
      Yes, it is possible to manually edit the Windows 10 registry. However, it is important to exercise caution when making any changes to the registry as incorrect changes can cause serious problems with your system.
      Reply
  • Milo Churchill
    Milo Churchill 3.11.2016 14:37 #
    How can you repair a corrupted Windows 10 registry?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 3.11.2016 14:51 #
      1. Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan: Run an SFC scan to check for any corrupted system files. To do this, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
      2. Use System Restore: If the issue started recently, you can use System Restore to restore your system to a point before the issue occurred. To do this, open the Control Panel and go to System and Security > System > System Protection. Select System Restore and follow the on-screen instructions.
      3. Use the DISM Tool: The DISM tool is a powerful command-line tool that can be used to repair corrupted Windows 10 registry. To use it, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth” and press Enter.
      4. Use a Third-Party Registry Cleaner: If the above methods don’t work, you can try using a third-party registry cleaner to repair the corrupted Windows 10 registry. There are many reputable registry cleaners available online, such as CCleaner or Glary Utilities.
      Reply
  • Rick Hazelden
    Rick Hazelden 3.11.2016 10:35 #
    What are some common causes of registry corruption in Windows 10?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 3.11.2016 10:59 #
      1. Improper shutdowns: When a computer is shut down improperly, it can cause registry corruption.
      2. Malware: Malicious software can corrupt the registry and cause errors.
      3. System Restore: System Restore can cause corruption if it is used incorrectly.
      4. Outdated drivers: Outdated drivers can cause conflicts with the registry and lead to corruption.
      5. Overclocking: Overclocking a computer can cause registry corruption.
      6. Improperly installed programs: Installing programs incorrectly can corrupt the registry.
      Reply
  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 20.07.2018 14:56 #
    Read complete guide to backing up and restoring the Windows 10 registry and recommend it to friends. If you do have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our technical support service - we will be happy to help you.
    Reply
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