All About REG Windows command

The Windows reg command is a powerful tool for managing the registry. It allows users to query, add, delete, and manipulate registry keys and values from the command line. By using the reg command, users can perform a wide range of tasks, such as exporting and importing registry entries, backing up and restoring the registry, and configuring registry settings. The reg command supports various options and syntax, providing flexibility and control over registry operations. Familiarize yourself with the reg command to efficiently manage the Windows registry and optimize system performance.

REG Syntax:

reg [Options] [Parameters]

Options:

Option	Description
/QUERY	Display registry values.
/ADD	Add a new registry entry.
/DELETE	Delete a registry entry.
/COPY	Copy a registry entry.
/EXPORT	Export registry data.
/IMPORT	Import registry data.

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
Key	Registry key to work with.
ValueName	Name of the registry value.
ValueType	Type of the registry value.
ValueData	Data for the registry value.

Caution

Exercise caution when making changes to the Windows registry using the reg command as incorrect usage can cause system instability and data loss.

REG CMD Examples:

Create a New Registry Key

reg add HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Example

Creates a new registry key named “Example” under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software.

Delete a Registry Key and All Its Subkeys

reg delete HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Example /f

Deletes the registry key “Example” and all its subkeys under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software without prompting for confirmation.

Query a Registry Key Value

reg query HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Example /v ValueName

Displays the value of the registry key “ValueName” under the key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Example.

Export a Registry Key to a File

reg export HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Example C:\Backup\ExampleBackup.reg

Exports the registry key “Example” under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software to a file named “ExampleBackup.reg” in the C:\Backup directory.

Import Data from a Registry File

reg import C:\Backup\ExampleBackup.reg

Imports the data from the registry file “ExampleBackup.reg” into the registry.

Load a Hive into the Registry

reg load HKLM\TempHive C:\Temp\Software

Loads the registry hive file located at C:\Temp\Software into HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\TempHive.

Tip

Always run the reg command with caution, as modifying the Windows registry can potentially cause system instability if done incorrectly. Make sure to back up the registry before making any changes.

REG Command Help Center:

How do I use reg in Windows?

To use the reg command in Windows, execute the following command:

reg --option <value>

How can I query a specific registry key using reg?

To query a specific registry key in Windows, use the following command:

reg query "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion"

How can I add a new registry key with reg in Windows?

To add a new registry key in Windows using the reg command, you can use the following command:

reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\NewKey"

How do I delete a registry key using reg in Windows?

To delete a registry key in Windows with the reg command, use the following command:

reg delete "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\OldKey"

How can I import registry data from a file using reg in Windows?

To import registry data from a file in Windows using the reg command, you can use the following command:

reg import C:\path\to\registryfile.reg

How do I export registry data to a file using reg in Windows?

To export registry data to a file in Windows with the reg command, use the following command:

reg export "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\OldKey" C:\path\to\exportedfile.reg

How can I query all subkeys and values under a specific registry key in Windows with reg?

To query all subkeys and values under a specific registry key using the reg command in Windows, you can use the following command:

reg query "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion" /s

How do I search for a specific value in the Windows registry with reg?

To search for a specific value in the Windows registry using the reg command, execute the following command:

reg query "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software" /v ValueName

Applications of the REG Command

• Import, export, and compare registry data
• Query, add, change, and delete registry keys and values
• Load and unload registry hives
• Save and restore registry keys and values to and from files
• Backup and restore the registry
• Perform offline registry operations