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Systems & Data Center · Foundational

Windows Registry

The hierarchical database storing configuration for Windows, its services, hardware and applications.

Definition

Root keys include HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE for machine-wide settings and HKEY_CURRENT_USER for the logged-on user. It is edited with regedit, reg.exe, PowerShell or Group Policy. Many GPO settings are registry values.

Example

reg query HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters shows time service settings.

Exam tip

Back up a key before editing; HKLM affects all users while HKCU affects only the current user.

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