What is and what is the Windows registry

It can be very useful information, as it helps us to better understand the way in which our Windows computer works. In addition to seeing how its components interact with each other.

Windows Registry: What it is and what it is used for

This is a database that is responsible for storing Windows configuration and option settings. This registry is used to store much of the information and settings for software, hardware devices, user preferences, operating system settings, and more. So it is vitally important to the team.

When a new program is installed, a new set of instructions and files are added to the Windows registry in a specific location for this program. In addition to additional information, such as what options are used in the program and many others. Some experts see this record as the DNA of a Windows operating system.

A lot of information is stored in it, which is usually used by the operating system as a reference. Be it the user profiles, the types of documents that an application can create or the ports that are being used. It should also be mentioned that not all applications need to make use of the Windows registry.

How to access the Windows registry

Access to the Windows registry is possible using the registry editor. It is a program that is included by default in all versions of Windows that are currently available. It is not a program that we have to download. But we have to access it using regedit. It is a command that gives us access to it.

Therefore, we have to type regedit in the search box on the taskbar. We will get an option with this name and we simply have to open it. Most commonly, you ask us if we give permission for you to make changes to your computer. This registry editor is the way to access it and to be able to make changes. Since we find the databases in it.

So you can see that it is relatively easy to access the Windows registry in case we need it. To carry out some tasks or change some settings on the computer, it is very likely that this editor will be used on some occasions.

How the Windows registry is used

The registry is made up of different registry values, which are instructions, which are stored in braces (folders that have more information). So if we execute any change in the values, the editor will cause changes to some controls in our computer in general or in some applications in particular.

Although in some cases the changes that are introduced are not effective until we restart the computer. But it is important to be aware of how important the Windows registry is. Because any change made in an application can alter the operation of it or part of it. So no changes need to be made lightly.

Changes can and should only be made if we are sure of what we are doing. Since otherwise we can cause a problem in our computer. Although, even if a mistake is made, we can solve it. Either by changing the value again, or restoring the registry again. So we can always find a way to avoid problems. But this does not mean that we should not be careful with the registration.

Where the Windows registry is stored

The files that are part of the registry are stored in the System32 folder. Inside the configuration folder, at least in the current versions of Windows. In other older versions, which are barely on the market the location is different.

So it is very easy to be able to locate the location of these files in case the user has to do something with them. Since it is a folder that is easily accessed by going to C: and there we already have it.

These are the main aspects to take into account with the Windows registry. So we hope that it has been useful to know a little more about what it is and the role it plays in our Windows computer.