On Windows 10, registry changes can lead to issues and prevent your computer from booting up correctly. Even if you are familiar with the Registry, a backup can be useful in case something goes wrong and you need to restore the default settings.
The Registry, a hierarchical database that stores low-level operating system settings and those of applications created to use the Registry, has long been a part of Windows.
Although changing this database is usually not a good idea, there may be times when you need to do so in order to fix an issue or improve the operating system. When that time comes, having a Registry backup can assist in getting your computer back up and running.
The fastest and simplest way to backup the Windows Registry is by using System Restore, though there are other methods as well.
A feature of Windows 10 (and previous versions) called System Restore enables you to return your device to a previous state when everything was operating as it should. The tool will back up system files, installed programs, system settings, and the Registry when you create a restore point. The same tool can then be used to get your device back to working order.
You will find how to use System Restore to build a Registry backup on Windows 10 and restore the database even if your computer cannot boot.
Backup Registry on Windows 10
Follow these steps to backup the Registry in Windows 10's System Restore
- Open Start menu on Windows 10.
- To open the program, perform a search for "Create a restore point" and select the top result.
- Select the system drive and click the Configure button under the "Protection Settings" section.
- Select the Turn on system protection option.
- Click Apply.
- Click OK.
- Click the Create button.
- Confirm the Recovery Point Name. Since any name is descriptive, it can be accepted as "before changing the taskbar settings".
- Click the Create button.
- Click the Close button.
- Click the OK button.
After completing the steps, you are free to modify the Registry with the knowing that the previous settings are always available.
Restore Registry on Windows 10
Using the System Restore feature, there are at least 3 different ways to restore the Registry. If you still have access to your desktop computer, you can use System Restore to return the database to its previous state while the operating system is loading. You can use the recovery tool in Safe mode or the Advanced Startup settings if the computer doesn't start up correctly.
To learn how to start your PC in safe mode, refer to this page. After that, you can continue out the future actions.
Use this guide to get Windows 10's Advanced startup settings if your computer won't boot. Click System Restore while in the Advanced startup choices, then continue to step 4 of the steps below.
Follow these steps to restore the Registry on Windows 10 from a backup
- Open Start menu.
- To open the app, start searching for "Create a restore point" and click the top result.
- Click the System Restore button.
- Click the Next button.
- To return the Registry to a previous state, choose the restore point.
- Click the Next button.
- Click the Finish button.
To finish the process, you'll also need to restart your computer.
The Registry will be restored to a previous version when you use restore point, but none of your files will be damaged; any applications or system settings you might have installed since the last backup will also be removed.
Source: Pureinfortech