How to Backup/Restore Windows Registry [Updated 2023 Guide]

This post will help you backup/restore Windows Registry in case a problem related to the registry arises.

Before taking you through the steps to backup/restore Windows registry files in 2023 and beyond, let us first explain to you what are registry files in Windows and why they’re important.

What Are Windows Registry Files?

Ever wondered how your Windows-powered desktop or laptop powers ON and functions perfectly each time?

Well, basically, they launch each time launching the required features, services, and applications with the help of Windows registry files.

So, simply put, you can think of Windows registry files as a collection of configuration files for the Windows OS installed on your computer.

When you power ON your machine, it collects all the information related to account access, applications/services to launch, device drivers, UI elements, your pre-configured device settings, and much more.

How to Create Windows Restore Point Before You Backup/Restore Windows Registry?

It is always recommended to create a “Windows Restore Point” before you attempt to back up/restore the Windows registry.

In case something goes wrong, then the restore point can help you restore your computer to an earlier working condition as it is currently.

Below are the steps to create Windows Restore Point:

1. Click on the “Start” menu.
2. Type “Create a restore point” in the search bar and select the option that appears with the same name.

   

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to proceed with the creation of a Windows Restore Point backup.

How to Backup Windows Registry?

You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account.

• Launch the “Run” window by pressing the “Windows” key + “R” key on your keyboard.
• Now, type “Regedit” into the search box, and then press “ENTER” on your keyboard. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. (For Windows XP –> start menu-> run-> Regedit)
• Click on My Computer or Computer ( depending on your OS type) Click the File menu, and then click Export.
• In the “Save In” box, select the location where you want to save the backup copy, and then type a name for the backup file in the File name box.
• Click Save.

And that’s it. You have now created a backup of Windows registry files on your computer.

How to Restore Windows Registry Files?

Follow the steps below to restore previously existing Windows registry backup files.

1. Press the “Windows” key and the “R” key on your keyboard to launch the “Run” window.
2. Within the Run window, type “regedit.exe” and click on the “Ok” button within the Run window or press the “Enter” key on your keyboard.
3. The “Registry Editor” window will now launch.
4. Click on the “File” option located on the top menu bar of the Registry Editor window and then click on the “Import” button.
5. Within the window that appears, select the pre-existing Windows registry backup file on your computer and click on the “Open” button.

The Windows registry backup that you selected in step 5 above will now be restored on your computer.