| Path | Key Settings | |------|---------------| | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem | NTFS features (8.3 filenames, last access updates) | | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management | LargeSystemCache, Paging files, DEP | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Multimedia\SystemProfile | Multimedia scheduling priority | You can paste these directly into regedit address bar or Win + R :
You can copy, edit, or expand it as needed. The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores low-level settings for the operating system and applications. Below is a comprehensive, categorized list of the most important registry keys every IT pro, power user, or developer should know. ⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can damage your system. Always back up before making changes ( File > Export in regedit ). 1. Root Keys (Hives) | Root Key | Abbreviation | Description | |----------|-------------|-------------| | HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT | HKCR | File associations, OLE, and COM class registration | | HKEY_CURRENT_USER | HKCU | Settings for the currently logged-in user | | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE | HKLM | System-wide hardware, software, and OS settings | | HKEY_USERS | HKU | All loaded user profiles | | HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG | HKCC | Current hardware profile (linked to HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet) | 2. Startup & Autorun Keys Prevent malware or manage boot programs here.
| Path | Purpose | |------|---------| | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall | 64-bit apps uninstall info | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall | 32-bit apps on 64-bit Windows | | HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall | User-installed apps (e.g., Store apps) | Control update behavior. windows registry keys list
| Path | Purpose | |------|---------| | HKLM\HARDWARE\DESCRIPTION\System | BIOS, CPU, system info (dynamic) | | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum | All connected devices (PnP) | | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services | Driver services and start types | | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class | Device class GUIDs (e.g., network adapters) | Manage installed apps and uninstall strings.
| Path | Key Settings | |------|---------------| | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU | Auto-update settings (target version, deferral) | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate | Update history and current status | Redirect Documents, Desktop, Downloads, etc. | Path | Key Settings | |------|---------------| |
| Path | Purpose | |------|---------| | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters | Global TCP/IP settings (MTU, TTL, DNS) | | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\GUID | Per-network adapter settings | | HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings | Proxy, auto-config, security zones | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Network Connections | Lock down network settings | Audit, UAC, and login settings.
| Path | Purpose | |------|---------| | HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders | Custom user folder paths | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders | System defaults for new users | Memory, processor, and filesystem tweaks. ⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can damage
| Path | Key Settings | |------|---------------| | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System | Enable/disable UAC, Ctrl+Alt+Del requirements | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer | Hide drives, disable registry tools | | HKLM\SECURITY | Only accessible by SYSTEM – local security policies | | HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer | User-level restrictions | Device installation and monitoring.