Registry Editor Archives

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ends Soon. Here Are Your Best Options if You Can’t Upgrade

Microsoft will end official support for Windows 10 on October 14, meaning users will no longer receive bug fixes, technical support, or security updates. Extended security updates (ESU) will be available for a fee, primarily aimed at businesses and educational institutions, with a consumer version available for one year. Users can also consider alternative operating systems like Linux or ChromeOS Flex. Microsoft suggests cloud solutions like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop for those unable to upgrade their devices. Some users are opting for third-party security software, such as the 0patch agent, to address security risks associated with using Windows 10 post-support. There are methods to bypass Windows 11 upgrade compatibility checks using tools like Rufus or Registry Editor modifications.

Winsage

August 18, 2025

Microsoft finally fixes Windows 11’s broken Dark mode after nearly a decade – The Times of India

Microsoft is updating dark mode in Windows 11 to address inconsistencies that have persisted since 2016. Recent preview build 26100.5061 shows dark themes applied to file operation dialogs, which previously remained bright. While the window backgrounds are now dark gray, some buttons still appear lighter, indicating ongoing work. The updates may be included in the Windows 11 25H2 update later this year. Despite the improvements, other legacy interface elements like the Registry Editor and Group Policy windows still need to be addressed for a consistent dark mode experience.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Still Running Windows 10 and Can’t Upgrade? Here Are Your Top Options

Beginning October 14, Microsoft will stop broad support for Windows 10, meaning users will lose access to free updates, bug fixes, and technical assistance. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11, though not all devices may support it. Microsoft will offer a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, allowing users to access critical security updates for a fee. Alternatives to Windows include various Linux distributions and Google ChromeOS Flex. Users can also consider cloud solutions like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop for access to Windows 11. Some users are opting for third-party security software to mitigate risks associated with using Windows 10 after the support deadline. There are methods to bypass the Windows 11 upgrade compatibility checker, allowing installation on unsupported devices.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

8 Registry Tweaks that will Make File Explorer Faster and Easier to Use on Windows 11

Windows 11's File Explorer can be customized through various Registry tweaks to improve user experience. 1. To hide the "Ask Copilot" option: - Navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell Extensions. - Create a new key named "Blocked." - Add a string value named {CB3B0003-8088-4EDE-8769-8B354AB2FF8C}. - Restart the computer. 2. To remove the "Edit with Clipchamp" option: - Follow the same steps as above, using the string value {8BCF599D-B158-450F-B4C2-430932F2AF2F}. 3. To remove the "Edit with Paint" option: - Use the string value {2430F218-B743-4FD6-97BF-5C76541B4AE9}. 4. To remove the "Edit with Notepad" option: - Use the string value {CA6CC9F1-867A-481E-951E-A28C5E4F01EA}. 5. To remove multiple options at once, execute the following command in Command Prompt (admin): -

reg add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell ExtensionsBlocked" /v "{CB3B0003-8088-4EDE-8769-8B354AB2FF8C}" /t REGSZ /d "" /f & reg add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell ExtensionsBlocked" /v "{8BCF599D-B158-450F-B4C2-430932F2AF2F}" /t REGSZ /d "" /f & reg add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell ExtensionsBlocked" /v "{2430F218-B743-4FD6-97BF-5C76541B4AE9}" /t REGSZ /d "" /f & reg add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell ExtensionsBlocked" /v "{CA6CC9F1-867A-481E-951E-A28C5E4F01EA}" /t REGSZ /d "" /f

. 6. To hide the Gallery page: - Navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareClassesCLSID. - Create a new key named {e88865ea-0e1c-4e20-9aa6-edcd0212c87c}. - Add a DWORD (32-bit) value named System.IsPinnedToNamespaceTree and set it to 0. - Restart the computer. 7. To remove the OneDrive page: - Navigate to HKEYCLASSESROOTCLSID. - Create a new key named {018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}. - Add a DWORD (32-bit) value named System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree and set it to 0. - Restart the computer. 8. To revert to the classic context menu: - Navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSOFTWARECLASSESCLSID. - Create a new key named {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}. - Create a new key named InprocServer32. - Set the (Default) value to blank. 9. To enhance folder browsing speed: - Navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareClassesLocal SettingsSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsShellBagsAllFoldersShell. - Create a new string value named FolderType and set it to NotSpecified. - Restart the computer. These adjustments allow users to customize their File Explorer experience, improving functionality and efficiency.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

How to Fix ‘Cannot Delete Key’ Error in Windows Registry

Editing the Windows Registry can cause serious system issues if done incorrectly. Always create a backup of your registry before making changes. The ‘Cannot delete (key name): Error while deleting key’ message occurs due to the Windows access control system, which prevents unauthorized alterations. This issue often arises when the user account lacks ownership or Full Control permissions over the specific registry key. To resolve this, the user must take ownership of the key and grant themselves Full Control permissions. Steps to take ownership and grant Full Control permissions include: 1. Open Registry Editor as Administrator. 2. Navigate to the problematic registry key and select Permissions. 3. Access advanced security settings by clicking on the Advanced button. 4. Change the owner by typing your username and validating it. 5. If unsure of your username, use the Advanced button to find it. 6. Check the boxes for replacing owner on subcontainers and inheritable permission entries, then apply the changes. 7. In the Permissions window, select your user account and check the Allow box next to Full Control. 8. Apply the changes and try deleting the registry key again.

Winsage

July 26, 2025

How to Fix Windows 11 24H2 BSOD and Crashes

The Windows 11 24H2 update has caused complications, leading Microsoft to compile a list of affected hardware and software along with potential fixes. Users experiencing crashes can try the following solutions: 1. Remove Windows Hello: Users with laptops that have integrated cameras may experience system freezes. To fix this, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign in options, expand the Facial Recognition section, and click Remove. Optionally, remove fingerprint and PIN settings and set up a password. 2. Change Registry Settings for SSDs: The update has made certain SSDs from Western Digital and SanDisk incompatible. A temporary fix involves modifying the registry. Open the Registry Editor, navigate to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlStorPort, locate or create the DWORD HmbAllocationPolicy, modify its value to 0 or 2, and restart the PC. 3. Perform Windows Updates Again: Subsequent updates may resolve existing issues. Check for updates in Windows Update, download all related to the 24H2 version, and restart the PC as necessary. 4. Reroll Windows 11: Users can revert to the previous version within 10 days of the update if the option is available. Go to Settings > System > Recovery and select Go back. If the option is greyed out, users can download Windows 11 23H2 from Microsoft’s website for a clean installation, ensuring to back up data first.

Winsage

July 19, 2025

This free tool is the best way to find and edit registry values on Windows

RegScanner is a free utility designed to simplify the process of locating specific registry keys in Windows 11. It offers highly customizable search options, allowing users to find keys based on specific terms, filter by key names or attributes, and refine results by modification date. The tool also supports remote searches and facilitates the creation of backups for registry items, enabling users to select multiple items for backup in REG and TXT formats. RegScanner is portable, available in a ZIP format, and compatible with Windows XP to Windows 11, requiring no administrator privileges for basic searches. It aims to reduce the time and frustration associated with registry management.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

5 Windows Registry tweaks I still use, even in 2025

The Windows registry is a crucial part of Microsoft's operating system, recording various system operations. Users can modify the registry through the Registry Editor to enhance performance and user experience, but must do so cautiously to avoid system issues. To take ownership of files, users can add a "Take Ownership" option to the context menu by creating a .reg file. To restore the old Windows 10 context menu in Windows 11, a new key can be added in the Registry Editor. Power throttling can be disabled by creating a new key and DWORD value in the Registry Editor, improving performance for desktop users. Users can disable the Copilot feature by creating a specific key and DWORD value in the Registry Editor. To reduce telemetry data collection, a DWORD value can be set to 0 in the Registry Editor. It is recommended to back up files and create a Restore Point before making any registry changes, and to test risky tweaks on a virtual machine or secondary device.

Winsage

June 18, 2025

What version of Windows is on your PC? Here’s how to find out

To check your Windows version and build number, you can use the following methods: 1. Winver Tool: Type “winver” in the taskbar search bar and select the command to display your version and build number in a pop-up window. 2. Windows Settings: Go to the start menu, select “Settings,” then navigate to “System” and click on “About” to find your version and build number under “Windows specifications.” 3. Registry Database: Type “regedit” in the taskbar search field, open the Registry Editor, and navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINE->SOFTWARE->Microsoft->Windows NT->CurrentVersion to find the version number under “ReleaseId” and “DisplayVersion.”

Winsage

June 17, 2025

5 registry tweaks I made to instantly speed up my Windows PC

Disabling animations and visual effects can improve the responsiveness of Windows 11. To disable visual effects, navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerVisualEffects, create a DWORD value named VisualFXSettings, and set its value to 2. To allocate fewer resources to background apps, go to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionMultimediaSystemProfile, double-click on SystemResponsiveness, and change the Base Decimal value from 20 to 10. To speed up shutdown, navigate to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControl, double-click on WaitToKillServiceTimeout, and set the value from 5,000 milliseconds to 2,000 milliseconds. To reduce startup delays, go to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorer, create a new key named Serialize, then create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named StartupDelayInMSec and set its value to 0. To prioritize applications and enhance system responsiveness, navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionMultimediaSystemProfile, double-click on SystemResponsiveness, and adjust it from 14 to 10.