regedit.exe C:\Windows\regedit.exe

Windows Registry Editor: graphical tool to read and modify registry hives; an incorrect change can make the system unstable.

Updated on 12 November 2026 By AltF4 Formation

What it’s for

regedit.exe is the Registry Editor: you browse, export, import and modify keys and values with it. One wrong value in the wrong key is enough to make a system unstable, and Microsoft reserves the tool for advanced users. A 32-bit version exists in C:\Windows\SysWOW64.

What it contains

A Microsoft-signed executable with no configuration of its own.
Its interface settings (last opened key, favorites) are in HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Regedit.
It accepts switches: /s to import a .reg file without confirmation, /e to export.

Risks and best practices

Export the key to a .reg file before changing it, and create a restore point if possible. It is the only easy way back.
Deleting regedit.exe does not protect the Registry: reg.exe and PowerShell reach it too. To block the tool, use the “Prevent access to registry editing tools” policy.
Never import a .reg file of unknown origin: regedit /s applies it without confirmation.

Useful commands

# Export a key before changing it
reg export "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" "$env:USERPROFILE\Desktop\Run-before.reg"

# Read a value without the editor
Get-ItemProperty 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run'

# Import a .reg file silently (as administrator, use with caution)
regedit /s "$env:USERPROFILE\Desktop\Run-before.reg"

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