Alex Ruben
How to Restore Default Registry Settings in Windows 10/11
This guide will walk you through the process of resetting the Registry Editor in Windows 10 and 11 to its default settings. Understanding how to manipulate your system’s registry can be crucial for troubleshooting issues related to registry settings, enhancing system stability and performance.
Step 1: Backup the Registry Editor
Before making any changes, it is essential to create a backup of the registry to prevent any accidental loss of data. Follow these steps:
- Open the Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key, typing
regedit, and hitting Enter. - In the Registry Editor, go to
Filein the top menu and selectExport. - Choose a location to save the backup file and give it a name. Make sure the
Export rangeis set toAllbefore clickingSave.
Step 2: Download and Install Subinacl
To reset registry permissions, you’ll need to download the utility Subinacl.msi. Follow these steps:
- Download the
Subinacl.msifile from the following link:
Download Subinacl.
- Navigate to your
Downloadsfolder and double-click theSubinacl.msifile to install it.
Step 3: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
To execute the necessary commands, you must open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges:
- Press the Windows key, type
cmd, right-click onCommand Prompt, and selectRun as Administrator.
Step 4: Reset Registry Permissions
After installing Subinacl, you will run several commands to reset registry permissions:
- Copy and paste the following commands into the Command Prompt, one by one, followed by pressing Enter after each:
subinacl /subkeyreg HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE /grant=administrators=f
subinacl /subkeyreg HKEY_CURRENT_USER /grant=administrators=f
subinacl /subkeyreg HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT /grant=administrators=f
subinacl /subdirectories %SystemDrive% /grant=administrators=f
subinacl /subkeyreg HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE /grant=system=f
subinacl /subkeyreg HKEY_CURRENT_USER /grant=system=f
subinacl /subkeyreg HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT /grant=system=f
subinacl /subdirectories %SystemDrive% /grant=system=f
Extra Tips & Common Issues
To ensure a smooth process:
- Make sure you have administrative privileges before executing commands.
- If you encounter an ‘Access Denied’ error, double-check that you’re running the command prompt as an administrator.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you have successfully reset the Registry Editor to its default settings. Regularly backing up your registry and knowing how to reset it can help you maintain system integrity and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Registry Editor?
The Registry Editor is a Windows tool that allows users to view and change the registry settings which control various aspects of the operating system.
Is it safe to modify the registry?
Modifying the registry can be risky. Always back up the registry before making changes, as incorrect modifications may lead to system issues.
How can I restore my registry backup?
To restore your registry backup, open Registry Editor, select File > Import, and then choose your backup file.
