The Registry holds a lot of vital files for Windows and all of its apps. Whenever we troubleshoot, we tend to make some changes to the Windows Registry. This sometimes inevitable change that happens to your PC can cause you damages beyond repair.
Backing up and restoring the Registry in Windows 11 is a straightforward task but can quickly turn into a big deal when something goes wrong. For example, a minor error could make a database inaccessible, locking you out of important files. In some cases, your PC might not even boot.
In this article, you will learn how to backup and restore the Registry in Windows 11 to avert serious computing complications.
How do I Backup the Registry on Windows 11
There are two ways to back up the Registry on Windows 11. You could choose to use the Registry Editor or the Windows 11 System Restore app.
How to Backup the Registry Using the Registry Editor
Step 1: Go to the Windows Search, type registry editor, select the run as administrator option to have administrative privileges while accessing the Registry Editor
Step 2: While on the admin page, click on the File menu that appears at the top, then select Export.
Step 3: Select a file name of your choice and choose a storage location.
Step 4: Under the Export range section, select All and save the changes made.
This action will take a few minutes to kick in. Afterward, you will see the backup file on your computer.
How to Backup the Registry Using the System Restore App
Step 1: On the Start menu, type create a restore point and select the first option.
Step 2: Select the System Protection tab. Under it, from the available drives, the system drive, and click on Configure. Then, select the Turn on system protection under Restore Setting, hit the apply option, followed by OK
Step 3: Select the Create option provided afterward. Choose a name of your choice for the restore point and click Create again.
It will take a few moments to create a system restore point, but it will backup all your registry files within that moment.
While backing up using the Registry Editor is easy to follow, you can opt for the System Restore app on your Windows 11 to do the same backup job. This method comes in handy when your PC does not boot properly, and you want to keep your registry files intact using the Advanced Startup environment.
How Can I Restore Registry on Windows 11?
Registry files can be easy to restore on Windows 11. You can use the Registry Editor or System Restore to restore registry files on your PC.
Restore Registry Using the Registry Editor
Step 1: On the Search icon located at the taskbar, search for the registry editor, and run it as an admin.
Step 2: The File menu should be expanded, then click on Import from the provided list.
Step 3: Find and select the backup file, then click open.
It takes a while for the registry files to be fully restored on your computer. This process can also be done by right-clicking the registry file and merging.
Restore Registry Using System Restore
Step 1: Go to the taskbar and search for the restore point, click on the first result that pops up.
Step 2: Navigate to the System Protection tab and choose the System Restore option.
Step 3: Two options will be provided. The option with ‘Choose a different point‘ should be selected.
Step 4: The restore point you created earlier will be shown. Select it, then click Next.
Step 5: Check your restore point and select the finish option to begin the restoration process.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the Best Ways to Backup and Restore the Registry in Windows 11. You have successfully backed up and restored your Windows 11 PC. These steps are pretty straightforward and vital to ensure you are safe from data loss on your computer.
I will want to hear from you in the comments. Let me know if the process worked for you. If you use a Windows 10 PC, it will be more or less the same steps.
Do not hesitate to explore our other guides on Windows 11.
