What registry root key has information about the current hardware profile?

The registry or Windows registry is a database of information, settings, options, and other values for software and hardware installed on all versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems. When a program is installed, a new subkey is created in the registry. This subkey contains settings specific to that program, such as its location, version, and primary executable.

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Information about the Registry Editor
Registry root keys (hive name)
Windows registry values
Should I use "registry" or "Registry" in my writing?
What is Windows Registry
Components of Windows Registry
Which registry key contains information about all of the user profiles that exist on the computer?
What registry key contains information about the desktop setup?
Which key registry is used to identify each hardware device?
What are the 5 registry root keys?

When Windows was initially released (e.g., Windows 3.11), it relied heavily on .ini files to store Windows and Windows programs configurations and settings. Although .ini files are still sometimes used, most Windows programs rely on settings made to the Windows registry after being installed.

Information about the Registry Editor.
Registry root keys (hive name).
Windows registry values.
Should I use "registry" or "Registry" in my writing?
Related information.

Information about the Registry Editor

To view and make changes to the Windows registry, the Windows Registry Editor (shown below) may be used. In Windows 3.x, the Registry Editor was known as the Registration Info Editor or Registration Editor. The Registry Editor lets you view all keys and values that are in the registry, and change Windows, program, or driver values you feel are necessary.

Registry root keys (hive name)

When first opening the Windows Registry Editor, it displays root keys that contain all registry values. Below is a brief description about each of the most common root keys and the values contained in each of them.

Root KeyDescriptionHKCR (HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT)Describes file type, file extension, and OLE information.HKCU (HKEY_CURRENT_USER)Contains user who is currently logged in to Windows and their settings.HKLM (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE)Contains computer-specific information about the hardware installed, software settings, and other information. The information is used for all users who log on to that computer. This key, and its subkeys, is one of the most frequently areas of the registry viewed and edited by users.HKU (HKEY_USERS)Contains information about all the users who log on to the computer, including both generic and user-specific information.HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG (HKCC)The details about the current configuration of hardware attached to the computer.HKDD (HKEY_DYN_DATA)Only used in Windows 95, 98, and NT, the key contained the dynamic status information and plug and play information. The information may change as devices are added to or removed from the computer. The information for each device includes the related hardware key and the device's current status, including problems.

Windows registry values

Below are the different values you encounter while in the Windows registry and a brief description about what type of data each value can contain.

IconTypeNameDescription

Closed keyLike the folders seen in Windows Explorer. These keys are what contain the registry subkeys mentioned below.

Open keyWhen a key is opened, the icon changes to an expanded or open folder and displays all its contents and any additional subkeys.

REG_SZString valueAllows for any string value to be defined on a single line, such as a file path, and is the most commonly found subkey in the registry.

REG_MULTI_SZString array valueAny multi-line string value.

REG_EXPAND_SZExpanded string valueContains a string with environmental or system variables that need to be expanded. For example, c:\%windir%\example.exe could be the same as C:\windows\example.exe.

REG_BINARYBinary valueAllows for attributes to be defined in binary as either on or off (0 or 1).

REG_DWORDDWORD valueSimilar to the binary value, but capable of values being defined in either 32-bit decimal or hex.

REG_QWORDQWORD valueLike the DWORD, but stored as a 64-bit value.

Should I use "registry" or "Registry" in my writing?

According to the Microsoft Manual of Style, "registry" is written entirely in lowercase, except when part of a named system component (e.g., "Registry Editor"), or it's the first word of a sentence.

Windows Registry is one of the mysterious parts of the Windows operating system that allows us to tweak and modify almost all the sections of Windows. Even though we work with the registry all the time, most people have only a little understanding of what it really is and are not sure of how to create custom keys and values. So let’s find out a thing or two about Windows Registry and its components.

What is Windows Registry

Windows Registry is nothing but a collection of different configurations and settings related to the operating system, programs, and users. You can think of it like a database that virtually stores all the important information. This information includes anything related to system hardware, application settings, installed programs, user profiles, etc. Since all the important information is stored in a single place, Windows refers to the Registry all the time, and it is actually easier and faster for Windows to manage different parts of the operating system without messing with tons of individual configuration files located in different locations.

Components of Windows Registry

Windows Registry consists of three main components – the Root level keys, Keys, and Values. “Root-level keys” hosts all the “Keys” and the “Keys” will have their own set of “Values.” You can think of it like “LocalDrive -> Folder -> File” in your system.

There are five different Root level keys which have their own specific purpose in the registry. Here is a gist of these root keys.

That’s all there is to do, and hopefully this helps you to understand the Windows Registry and its components better and to create new keys and values as required.

Do comment below sharing your thoughts and experiences.

Vamsi Krishna

Vamsi is a tech and WordPress geek who enjoys writing how-to guides and messing with his computer and software in general. When not writing for MTE, he writes for he shares tips, tricks, and lifehacks on his own blog Stugon.

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Which registry key contains information about all of the user profiles that exist on the computer?

This key is sometimes abbreviated as HKCU. Contains all the actively loaded user profiles on the computer. HKEY_CURRENT_USER is a subkey of HKEY_USERS.

What registry key contains information about the desktop setup?

HKLM (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE) Contains computer-specific information about the hardware installed, software settings, and other information. The information is used for all users who log on to that computer. This key, and its subkeys, is one of the most frequently areas of the registry viewed and edited by users.