Windows Registry Keys List -

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 | 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 : windows registry keys list

| 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. You can copy, edit, or expand it as needed

| 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. ⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can damage

| 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.

| 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.