Where are the Windows Registry files located in Windows 11/10?

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The Windows Register is the centralized configuration database for Windows NT and Windows 2000, also as for applications. The Registry in Windows 11/10/8/7 stores information about tuning parameters, twist configuration, and user preferences.

On magnetic disc, the Windows Registry isn't merely one large file, but a set of separate files called hives. For each one hive contains a Registry Tree, which has a important that serves as the root (i.e., starting point) of the tree. Subkeys and their values reside beneath the root.

Location of Windows Register files

The locating of these register hives are equally follows:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \Organization : \system32\config\system
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SAM : \system32\config\sam
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SECURITY : \system32\config\security
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE : \system32\config\software
HKEY_USERS \UserProfile : \winnt\profiles\username
HKEY_USERS.DEFAULT : \system32\config\default

The support files are as follows:

Some hives are evaporable and don't get associated files. The system creates and manages these urtication solely in store; the hives are therefore temporary. The system creates volatilizable hives every fourth dimension the system boots. Examples are:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ HARDWARE : Volatile hive
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ Clone : Volatile beehive

These files are database files, and only RegEdit, Regedit32, and Kernel32 rump read them. The primary winding tool in Windows 11/10/8/7 for practical directly with the registry is Register Editor.

Read: Make Windows automatically backup Registry.

To memory access it, bu type Regedit in Bulge out Carte Search Debar and reach Insert.

If you need to record Thomas More on this, head concluded to TechNet.

UPDATE: AccidentalADMIN has made a useable comment. He says:

Every Windows has a Registry Key which lists every hive in the arrangement. Operate regedit to open the Registry Editor and navigate to the followers key to get a total list:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\hivelist

While on the topic of Registry, you might also want to see if any of these links interest you:

How to browse and delete the Registry from Explorer
How to open multiple instances of the Registry.

Anand Khanse is the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, a 10-yr Microsoft MVP (2006-16) & a Windows Insider MVP. Delight read the entire place & the comments first, produce a System Restore Point in front qualification whatever changes to your system & be thorough about any 3rd-party offers while installing freeware.