The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains information and settings for all hardware, software, users and preferences. The Windows Registry is the central component of Microsoft Windows, and a vital source of system configuration information. It holds a library of settings and options that govern how the operating system and installed applications function.
The registry is composed of several branches, each containing keys and values that configure specific areas of the Windows operating system. Examples of registry branches include:
•HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE – Contains system hardware settings, drivers, security settings and application settings.
•HKEY_CURRENT_USER – Contains settings for the current user.
•HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT – Stores information about registered file types and programs.
Every time a Windows application or service is started, the system searches the registry for its settings. Any changes to these settings are saved in the registry and used the next time the application or service is started.
The registry is also used to store security settings to control user access to different parts of the system. These settings can restrict user rights, such as preventing them from accessing certain parts of the system or making changes to certain parts of the system.
The purpose of the Windows Registry is primarily to provide a safe, centralized repository of settings and configuration data for the Windows operating system and its applications. It stores essential information about the system’s hardware, software, and user preferences. This allows users to customize their Windows experience without having to manually configure every aspect of their system. Additionally, the registry provides an easy way for software developers to store configuration settings so that their applications can be installed and uninstalled without users needing to manually configure the settings each time.