How to Reset the Registry to Default (Top 3 Methods) (2024)

If the Windows registry becomes confusing due to unexpected circ*mstances or human operations, how should you restore it to the default values? Now read this post on MiniTool to see detailed instructions on how to reset the registry to default.

The Windows registry is used to manage resources and store configuration settings for applications on the Windows operating system. Additionally, changes made to Control Panel settings, Windows components, etc. are also updated in the registry. If you are not very familiar with the registry, you are likely to operate incorrectly and cause problems with the registry. In this case, you may need to restore the registry to its default values.

How to reset the registry to default? Is it possible to restore the whole registry to default? Keep reading to find the answers.

How to Reset the Registry to Default Windows 10/11

Way 1. Restore the Registry to Default by Resetting the PC

Since the registry stores a lot of information about Windows-specific configurations, if you want to completely reset the entire registry, you can only reinstall Windows by resetting the computer.

Here is how to reset your PC.

Step 1. Press the Windows + I key combination to open Settings.

Step 2. Click Update & Security.

Step 3. Move on to the Recovery tab, then click the Get started button under Reset this PC.

Step 4. In the new window, choose whether to keep your personal files. Then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the necessary actions.

After that, the Windows registry should be restored to default.

Way 2. Reset the Registry to Default Using System Restore

If you simply made incorrect changes to an application or other computer configuration, you can use System Restore to restore the system to the state before the changes were made. And, the registry will be restored to the state it was in before the changes were made.

Please note that performing a system restore requires that you have created a system restore point before making the erroneous changes.

How to perform a system restore? Follow the guide below.

Step 1. In the Windows search box, type create a restore point and then click it from the best match result.

Step 2. In the new window, under System Protection, click System Restore.

Step 3. Next, you need to finish the process according to the instructions on the screen.

See Also: Fix Windows Could Not Update Registry Data in the Installation

Way 3. Reset Windows Registry Permissions to Default From Backups

Restoring the registry from a backup file works if you mistakenly changed some registry values. Generally, before modifying the registry, it is recommended to export the original registry to avoid unexpected situations. If you have registry backup reg. files, you can use Registry Editor to import them.

First, open Registry Editor by using the Windows search box.

Second, click File > Import. Then select the target .reg file to open. If there are multiple .reg files, you need to import them one by one.

Wrapping Things Up

In a word, this post explains how to reset the registry to default by resetting the PC, performing a system restore, and importing the backup .reg files.

If you have found any other ways to reset Windows registry permissions to default, or you have any questions about MiniTool software, do not hesitate to contact us via [emailprotected].