How to Backup, Restore, and Edit Registry Files the Right Way

The registry editor in Windows 10 is like a jungle – confusing and scary. Yet it is filled with wonderful adjustments that are hard to find otherwise. It is a database of configuration settings for Windows, system applications, hardware devices, and even third-party applications. If you are not careful with the applications that you install and you do not respect the hygiene of the registry, you must learn to back up, restore and modify registry files correctly.

We recommend that you modify the registry files in several of our Windows 10 troubleshooting guides. The registry contains instructions and references to essential system files to run software and hardware smoothly. Many advanced features and settings can be enabled / disabled by modifying the registry entries.

But what happens when you change the wrong file or enter the wrong value? What if there is an unexpected conflict? This can break your computer and make all data inaccessible. This is why we are sharing this guide on backing up, restoring and modifying registry files.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Registry Editor before you start tweaking it.

Basic terminology

Here’s what a typical registry key path looks like.

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARE

‘HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE’ and the other top-level folders you see are called Hives. The “SOFTWARE” is called a key, and they can go deep (several levels), each divided by a backslash. Finally, the default file you see on the right is called a value. You can think of them as folders and files for simplicity.

Warning: Don’t mess with registry keys and values ​​if you don’t know what you’re doing. Adding, removing and modifying these can break things at the system level. We strongly recommend that you avoid making changes on your single computer, unless you mind reinstalling Windows, losing data and several settings. Proceed at your own risk.

How to Modify Keys or Values ​​in Registry Editor

It is best to change these values ​​in safe mode. However, the more elaborate answer will depend on the problem you are trying to solve. Once you have made a backup of the registry using one of the methods below, restart your computer in safe mode before you start troubleshooting.

That way, if you have a problem, you won’t have to reinstall or reset the entire operating system. You can restore the modified / deleted registry key to get your computer working again. The process of opening Registry Editor and creating / deleting / modifying a key or value remains the same in Safe Mode.

How to regularly back up the system registry in Windows 10

There was a time when Windows saved the system registry in the RegBack folder. This is no longer the case, as noted by Microsoft. Windows 10 version 1803 has made a change to reduce the size of the operating system on disk.

For those who haven’t detected it, Windows will only back up specific keys and values ​​in the system registry that are essential to the operation of the operating system. This means that third-party applications will be left out.

Fortunately, there is a way to change this system setting using the Registry Editor itself. It is ironical. The Microsoft support team shared the steps to keep the option open in case someone wants to back up the system registry files regularly.

To activate the legacy method, navigate to the location below.

HKLMSystemCurrentControlSetControlSession ManagerConfiguration ManagerEnablePeriodicBackup

If you don’t see the EnablePeriodicBackup value, create one. So, right click on the right pane and select DWORD Value (32 bit) and name it so.

Double-click the newly created file and change the value from 0 (zero) to 1.

Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to start the backup process. Windows should have created a new task named RegIdleBackup to manage it. You can check it in the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).

How to backup / restore the registry manually

It is one of two methods that Microsoft recommends for backing up registry keys and values. Search for Windows Registry Editor in Windows Search and open it with administrative privileges – Run as administrator.

Select the key you want to save and select Export from the File menu.

In the next screen, you will be asked to choose a location and name the file. I suggest that you name the output file the same as the key. This will facilitate identification when you want to restore it. The export function will create a .REG file that a text editor like Notepad can easily read.

The export range is where you can choose to export all or just the selected branch. Everything is always a safer bet if in doubt.

Restoration is simple in case you spoiled something. Open the path where you want to restore the key and click Import on the File menu. Select the file and the interface should add it to the Registry Editor.

How? ‘Or’ What Backup / restore using Restore Point

The people of Microsoft recommend another method for this. Creating a restore point will require backing up registry files, as well as other important system files. Note that there is a difference between reset and restore points.

Look for “Create a restore point” in the Start menu and open it.

Click Create here.

You can then follow the on-screen instructions to create a restore point.

If you want to restore your system to a previous restore point, repeat the same process you followed to create a restore point. However, in the last window, click the System Restore button and follow the on-screen instructions.

Bring the registrar

There are also a few third-party applications for backing up and restoring these registry keys. One of them is MiniTool ShadowMaker.

However, I rely more than anything on system restore points. The process is easy, free and the Windows operating system regularly creates a point often. You can create one manually before making major changes, such as editing the registry entry. It is better to restore the registry than to reinstall the entire operating system while losing data.