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- How to Reset the Registry to Default Windows 10/11 (3 Ways)
If the Windows registry becomes confusing due to unexpected circ*mstances or human operations, how should you restore it to the default values? Now read this post on MiniTool to see detailed instructions on how to reset the registry to default.
The Windows registry is used to manage resources and store configuration settings for applications on the Windows operating system. Additionally, changes made to Control Panel settings, Windows components, etc. are also updated in the registry. If you are not very familiar with the registry, you are likely to operate incorrectly and cause problems with the registry. In this case, you may need to restore the registry to its default values.
How to reset the registry to default? Is it possible to restore the whole registry to default? Keep reading to find the answers.
How to Reset the Registry to Default Windows 10/11
Way 1. Restore the Registry to Default by Resetting the PC
Since the registry stores a lot of information about Windows-specific configurations, if you want to completely reset the entire registry, you can only reinstall Windows by resetting the computer.
Tips:
Although resetting your computer allows you to choose to save personal files, it is highly recommended that you do a system backup in case of unexpected situations. You can use MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial to do that. It provides you with a 30-day free trial.
Here is how to reset your PC.
Step 1. Press the Windows + I key combination to open Settings.
Step 2. Click Update & Security.
Step 3. Move on to the Recovery tab, then click the Get started button under Reset this PC.
Step 4. In the new window, choose whether to keep your personal files. Then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the necessary actions.
After that, the Windows registry should be restored to default.
Way 2. Reset the Registry to Default Using System Restore
If you simply made incorrect changes to an application or other computer configuration, you can use System Restore to restore the system to the state before the changes were made. And, the registry will be restored to the state it was in before the changes were made.
Please note that performing a system restore requires that you have created a system restore point before making the erroneous changes.
How to perform a system restore? Follow the guide below.
Step 1. In the Windows search box, type create a restore point and then click it from the best match result.
Step 2. In the new window, under System Protection, click System Restore.
Step 3. Next, you need to finish the process according to the instructions on the screen.
Tips:
Windows claims that system restore only restores system files and settings and does not affect personal files. However, some users still experienced data loss. If you encounter the same situation, you can use free data recovery software, MiniTool Power Data Recovery, to recover files after system restore.
See Also: Fix Windows Could Not Update Registry Data in the Installation
Way 3. Reset Windows Registry Permissions to Default From Backups
Restoring the registry from a backup file works if you mistakenly changed some registry values. Generally, before modifying the registry, it is recommended to export the original registry to avoid unexpected situations. If you have registry backup reg. files, you can use Registry Editor to import them.
First, open Registry Editor by using the Windows search box.
Second, click File > Import. Then select the target .reg file to open. If there are multiple .reg files, you need to import them one by one.
Wrapping Things Up
In a word, this post explains how to reset the registry to default by resetting the PC, performing a system restore, and importing the backup .reg files.
If you have found any other ways to reset Windows registry permissions to default, or you have any questions about MiniTool software, do not hesitate to contact us via [emailprotected].
About The Author
Shirley Follow Us
Position: Columnist
Shirley graduated from English major and is currently an editor of MiniTool Team. She likes browsing and writing IT-related articles, and is committed to becoming a professional IT problem solver. The topic of her articles are generally about data recovery, data backup, and computer disk management, as well as other IT issues. In spare time, she likes watching movies, hiking and fishing.