The Windows Registry is one of the most complex parts of your PC and is probably a place you have never explored. The registry is an intricate database that contains the settings, hardware info, application info, and basically anything of relevance related to your PC ranging from the booting sequence to renamed file names. If you want to ensure that this unknown section of your PC remains safe and functioning, read ahead to learn how to fix broken registry items in Windows 10.
How to Fix Broken Registry Items in Windows 10
In the initial versions of Windows, application developers had to include in a separate .ini file extension along with the executable file, which contained all the settings, properties and configuration required for the given executable program to function properly. While Windows moved to an organised Registry system, other operating systems such as iOS, Mac OS, Android, and Linux continue to use text files.
Before beginning to repair it, let us understand what causes a broken registry? With an insane number of actions occurring on your PC, the registry is often left open to corrupt or irregular entries that build up over time and are the most common culprits. Additionally, attacks from viruses and malware can harm the registry database and negatively impact your entire system. Now, let us troublehoot the issue at hand with few easy methods.
Method 1: Repair System Files Using Command Prompt
The command window is the key to exploring your PC and ensuring that everything is up to speed. With this particular tool in hand, you can ditch fancy registry cleaning applications and verify your system files and make sure that everything is nice and tidy in the registry. Here’s how you can repair the Windows registry without registry cleaners.
1. Right-click on the Start menu button and select the option titled Command Prompt (Admin).
2. In the command window that appears, input the following code: sfc /scannow and then hit enter.
3. The command window will run a slow and detailed scan of your PC. If any broken registry items are found, they will be fixed automatically.
4. Additionally, you can run Deployment Image Servicing & Management tool to be doubly sure and repair all entries. Read our detailed guide here to repair registry editor and system files using DISM.
Method 2: Perform Disk Cleanup
The Disk Cleanup app is preinstalled in most Windows applications. The software is ideal for getting rid of broken system files and registry items that slow down your PC.
1. In the Windows search option, type ‘Disk Cleanup’ and open the first application that appears.
2. A small window will appear, asking you to select the Drive you want to clean up. Choose the one where Windows is installed.
3. In the disk cleanup window, click on Clean up system files and then click Ok.
4. All unnecessary items, including old Windows installation files, will be deleted.
Also Read: Fix Windows sockets registry entries required for network connectivity are missing
Method 3: Use Registry Cleaning Applications
Third-party registry cleaning applications don’t get the credit that is due. These apps can effectively identify broken files in the registry and delete them with ease. Here are a few popular applications you can try to fix broken registry entries in Windows PCs:
1. CCleaner: CCleaner has been one of the premier cleaning applications and has left a mark on all platforms and operating systems. The registry cleaner is nothing short of perfect as it locates and deletes broken files in the registry without a trace.
2. RegSofts Free Window Registry Repair: This is one of the older applications the cleaned registries. The software is extremely minimal and serves the purpose it was created for.
3. Wise Registry Cleaner: Wise Registry Cleaner is a high-end cleaner for Windows that has scheduled scans intended at discovering and fixing broken registry items in Windows 10.
Method 4: Restore PC to
Read our guide How to use System Restore on Windows 10 to restore the system to the previous state without losing the data & files. This negates the need to format the OS while restoring Registry entries to their original, unbroken and fully functional state.
Also Read: How to Access Advanced Startup Options in Windows 10 in 7 Easy Ways
Method 5: Use In-built Startup Repair Option
If you are not even able to log in to your computer due to broken registry entries, the above methods will be of no use. Here’s how to repair Windows 11 by running a Startup Repair instead from boot screen:
1. Shut down your computer completely and wait for 2 minutes.
2. Press the Power button to turn on your Windows 11 PC.
3. When you see the computer booting up, press-hold Power button to turn it off forcefully. Repeat this process twice.
4. Let the computer boot up normally the third time to let it enter into Windows Recovery Environment (RE).
5. Click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
6. Then, select Startup Repair, as highlighted below.
Method 6: Reset your PC
A drastic yet extremely effective way to delete broken registry items on Windows 10 is by resetting your entire PC. Not only does a reset properly fix the registry, but it also has the potential to remove almost all bugs from your device.
1. Open Windows settings and head to Update and security.
2. Under the Recovery panel on the left, you will find the option to reset your device.
Note: Make sure you back up all your data beforehand to ensure that the reset process is safe.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to proceed further.
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With that, you have managed to tackle faulty registry entries in your PC. Fixing your registry once in a while can end up making your PC faster and potentially increase its life span.
We hope that this guide was helpful and you were able to fix broken registry items in Windows 10. If you still have any queries regarding this article, then feel free to ask them in the comments section.