Windows Registry Archives

Winsage

August 29, 2025

Stop using optimizer apps — Windows does just fine on its own

Windows 11 is capable of managing performance efficiently without the need for additional optimizer or cleaner applications. It strategically utilizes RAM during idle periods for background tasks and reallocates resources for essential tasks when needed. Registry cleaning is largely unnecessary as orphaned entries do not impact system performance, and these applications may risk deleting critical registry keys. Windows includes built-in tools like Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense for cleaning temporary files, and web browsers have their own cleaning features. The main causes of sluggish performance are often user-installed applications, which should be regularly evaluated and uninstalled if unnecessary. Windows provides tools to manage startup tasks, and third-party applications may complicate performance optimization rather than enhance it. Alternatives like Atlas OS or Linux may be more beneficial for users seeking improved performance.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Windows 11’s August update fails to install on some PCs. Here’s what you can do

Microsoft released the mandatory Windows 11 update KB5063878 for August, which includes the Quick Machine Recovery feature for remote troubleshooting of PCs. Users have reported installation issues, encountering error codes such as 0x80240069, 0x80240031, and 0x800f0922. Microsoft has acknowledged these as known errors, particularly affecting those using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). The installation problems occur regardless of whether the system is newly installed or has been updated multiple times. Microsoft offers a temporary solution called "Known Issue Rollback" to revert the problematic update and suggests modifying the Windows registry or using a PowerShell script as a workaround. Users can also manually download the update from Microsoft's Update Catalog for immediate installation.

Winsage

August 8, 2025

Hackers can bypass Microsoft Defender to install ransomware on PCs

A significant vulnerability in Microsoft Defender has been identified, allowing hackers to bypass the software and deploy Akira ransomware. This vulnerability exploits the legitimate driver rwdrv.sys, associated with the Intel CPU tuning tool ThrottleStop, granting cybercriminals kernel-level access to a target PC. Once access is obtained, hackers can introduce the driver hlpdrv.sys to manipulate the Windows Registry, disabling Microsoft Defender's protective measures. GuidePoint Security has noted that this method has been increasingly used in Akira ransomware attacks since July of this year. Users are advised to use reputable antivirus software and keep it updated to protect against such threats.

Tech Optimizer

August 7, 2025

Hackers are abusing this Intel tool to disable Windows 11’s built-in antivirus — don’t fall for this

The Akira ransomware has been using a legitimate Intel CPU tuning driver to disable Microsoft Defender, allowing hackers to gain kernel-level access to systems. This method, known as BYOVD (Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver), involves exploiting signed drivers with known vulnerabilities for privilege escalation. Researchers found that the execution of the driver modifies Microsoft Defender's DisableAntiSpyware settings in the Windows Registry using regedit.exe. Guidepoint Security has responded by providing a YARA rule and indicators of compromise to help organizations defend against these attacks, emphasizing the need for vigilance and caution when downloading software.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Windows 11 is testing Taskbar companions and it might be another AI feature

Microsoft is exploring a new taskbar feature called "companions," which may integrate artificial intelligence into the Windows experience. This initiative is in early stages, with references to "Agentic Companions" found in recent Windows 11 preview builds. A specific string indicates users may manage these companions from their settings, although the features are not yet operational. Previously, Microsoft aimed to introduce a "recommendations" feature for the taskbar to enhance engagement with Bing and web content, but the project was abandoned after the departure of Mikhail Parakhin. Additionally, Microsoft is testing features such as support for "shared audio" for multiple devices and a clock displaying seconds in the Calendar flyout, with the latter already available to Windows 10 users.

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

August 3, 2025

Fix: “Failed to Update the System Registry” Error in Windows 10/11

The error message “Failed to update the system registry. Please try using REGEDIT” indicates issues with the Windows Registry, which stores system settings and application information. This error often arises when running older programs on newer Windows versions due to factors such as lack of administrative permissions, incompatibility with current Windows versions, or interference from antivirus software. To resolve this error, users can take several steps: 1. Run the program as an administrator by right-clicking the application and selecting “Run as administrator,” or by setting this option permanently in the program's properties under the Compatibility tab. 2. Use the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter, accessible through the Control Panel on Windows 10 or through Settings on Windows 11, to adjust settings for older programs. 3. Whitelist the program in antivirus settings to prevent it from blocking necessary registry modifications. 4. Reinstall the program with administrator rights by right-clicking the installer and selecting “Run as administrator.”

Winsage

August 1, 2025

Microsoft has fixed the only Windows bug I’ve ever liked: the Vista startup sound ‘unexpectedly’ playing on Win 11 machines

The Windows Insider program allows users to test new features before public release. Recently, some users experienced the Windows Vista start-up sound instead of the Windows 11 sound. Microsoft quickly addressed this issue in the Canary channel, reverting to the standard Windows 11 boot sound, noting that the Vista sound was used unexpectedly. The Vista sound, which is nostalgic for many, was also present in Windows 7. The latest update not only fixed the sound bug but also resolved issues with audio playback when casting to a TV and crashes in the power and battery settings menu. Users can customize their startup sounds by editing registry settings, although the option to revert to the Vista sound is not available in the sounds folder.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

6 PowerToys features I can’t believe don’t ship with Windows 11 by default

Microsoft's PowerToys suite includes several features that enhance productivity for Windows users, yet many of these tools have not been integrated into the Windows operating system. 1. Registry Preview: Allows users to view the contents of a registry file before importing it, enhancing safety and accessibility in modifying the Windows Registry. 2. Quick Accent: Simplifies the insertion of accented characters by displaying options when a user holds down a key, making it easier to type in multiple languages. 3. Find My Mouse: Dims the screen around the cursor to help users locate the mouse pointer more effectively than the basic highlighting feature in Windows. 4. Command Palette (or PowerToys Run): An efficient application launcher that allows for quick and reliable launching of applications, addressing a gap in Windows' functionality compared to other operating systems. 5. Peek: Enables users to quickly preview files without opening them, improving file management and accessibility. 6. FancyZones: A window management tool that allows for customizable window layouts, providing enhanced control over desktop environments. These features could significantly improve user experience if integrated into the core Windows operating system.

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.