What Is a Registry Key?

The Windows Registry is structured with registry keys, which are like folders

A registry key can be thought of as being a bit like a file folder, but it exists only in the Windows Registry. Registry keys contain registry values, just like folders contain files. Registry keys can also contain other registry keys, which are sometimes referred to as subkeys.

Registry keys work the same way in all versions of Windows. There have been some changes in how you collapse and expand them, but these were very minor and didn't affect their function.

Structure of the Windows Registry

windows 11 registry editor keys

The Windows Registry is structured in a hierarchy, with the topmost registry keys referred to as registry hives. These have special rules attached to them, but they're registry keys in every other sense.

The term "registry entry" can refer to any individual part of the Windows Registry (like a hive or value), but usually, it's synonymous with a registry key.

Items in the registry are structured in this way:

KEY(HIVE)\SUBKEY\SUBKEY\...\...

Let's look at a specific example from Registry Editor to help explain how registry keys work:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Adobe\

As you can see, the registry path shown above is divided into three sections, each separated by a backslash:

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
  • SOFTWARE
  • Adobe

Each section represents a single registry key, with the right-most one nested under the one prior, and so on. Thinking about it another way: Each key is under the one to the left, just like a path on your computer works, like C:\Windows\System32\Boot.

The first registry key, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, is at the top of the path and is a registry hive. Nested under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE is the SOFTWARE registry key. The Adobe key is yet another registry key nested under SOFTWARE.

Registry Editor open to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE Adobe key

Registry keys are not case-sensitive, which means it doesn't matter if letters are uppercase and lowercase; they can be written either way without affecting how they work.

Registry keys can be nested quite deeply. Here's an example of one five levels deep that you'll find in any Windows computer's registry under the HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG hive:

HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Printers

You can change how Windows functions on some very fundamental levels by adding, changing, and deleting registry keys. However, you must take great care when tinkering with the registry, because you can cause serious problems in your computer that could result in a loss of all data.

Backing Up and Restoring Registry Keys

It's wise to back up the registry before making any changes in it. With a copy of the keys you're changing in hand, you can feel safe knowing you can undo any changes (by restoring the registry backup) that might result in problems in your system. You don't have to back up the entire registry if you don't want to; you can back up just the registry keys you're working with.

FAQ
  • How do I add a key?

    In Windows, use the Windows+R keyboard shortcut to open the Registry Editor, then enter regedit > OK. In the left pane, navigate to the registry key you want to add > right-click the key > select New > Key.

  • What are the five registry keys?

    In most versions of Windows, the following keys are in the registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT (HKCR), HKEY_CURRENT_USER (HKCU), HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE (HKLM), HKEY_USERS (HKU), and HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG.

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