Registry Editor, the user interface for the registry, in Windows 10 Details Included with Microsoft 3.1 to newest versions The registry is a hierarchical that stores low-level settings for the operating system and for applications that opt to use the registry. The,,, (SAM), and can all use the registry. Mainconcept Conversion Pack Rapidshare. The registry also allows access to for profiling system performance.

In simple terms, the registry or Windows Registry contains information, settings, options, and other values for programs and hardware installed on all versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems. For example, when a program is installed, a new subkey containing settings like a program's location, its version, and how to start the program, are all added to the Windows Registry. When introduced with, the Windows Registry primarily stored configuration information for -based components. And extended its use to rationalise and centralise the information in the profusion of, which held the configurations for individual programs, and were stored at various locations. It is not a requirement for Windows applications to use the Windows Registry. For example, applications use files for configuration, while usually keep their configuration files with their.