Windows Registry Keys List [portable] May 2026
| 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.
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. windows registry keys list
| Path | Purpose | |------|---------| | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall | 64-bit apps uninstall info | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall | 32-bit apps on 64-bit Windows | | HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall | User-installed apps (e.g., Store apps) | Control update behavior. Below is a comprehensive, categorized list of the
| 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. mouse settings | Manage TCP/IP
| Path | Key Settings | |------|---------------| | HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced | Show hidden files, file extensions, etc. | | HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState | Full path in title bar | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons | Override system icons | | HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop | Wallpaper, menu speed, mouse settings | Manage TCP/IP, IE/Edge, and network adapters.
