How To Repair My Registry

FIX: Corrupt registry in Windows 10

Andrew is not just trying to bring you closer to Windows, but he's truly interested in this platform. He just happens to be passionate about sharing that knowledge with our readers and that's what... Read more

Updated: Oct 15, 2021

Posted: March 2020

Windows registries, alongside DLLs, are usually the first elements that you should check out when dealing with most Windows issues
Like all types of digital data, registries can also be corrupted, and we will be covering some of the fundamental steps that need to be taken if that happens.
Luckily, there are multiple easy fixes to this issue and we will take you through each of them with step-by-step instructions.
Find below troubleshooting options to repair, restore, or clean your registry, as well as a dedicated software suggestion that can automate the process.

corrupted windows registry

XINSTALL BY CLICKING THE DOWNLOAD FILE

Messing with your Windows Registry might end up with a bricked Windows system. If you have managed to corrupt your Windows 10 registry then you need to fix it as soon as possible as you might just end up losing your data.

Anyway, we will discuss more this subject during the lines below, so don't hesitate and check the following guidelines.

Usually, you can get a corrupt registry error after making changes within the Registry Editor. That's why it is more than recommended to backup your registry before changing anything as there you have all the internal settings of your Windows 10 system.

As you can tell, a problem on the registry means a problem on your OS, thus you can end up having difficulties in using your device. In most cases, when the registry gets corrupted, the Windows OS must be reinstalled which means that you are losing all of your data.

Anyway, by using the steps below you can try to fix corrupt registry errors in Windows 10 without reinstalling Windows from scratch. So, try the guidelines from this tutorial and see if you can repair your device manually and without losing your data.

How do I fix a corrupt registry in Windows 10?

Install a Registry cleaner
Repair your system
Run SFC scan
Refresh your system
Run the DISM command
Clean your Registry

1. Install a Registry cleaner

If that isn't working, you can also use registry software. There are many dedicated tools that you can use to fix missing or corrupt registry keys.

We recommend you Restoro, a program that uses a patented technology that can search previous functional versions of your system elements and can make them work again.

Restoro will scan your registry and in case of malfunctions found, it will restore it to Default Microsoft settings which will make it work like a charm again. You can use this tool to restore your system's functionalities and recover important files. You can also choose to let it work normally if you don't need any Registry entries.

⇒ Get Restoro

2. Repair your system

The Windows installation disk is being required.
Insert the Windows 10 DVD or installation media and reboot your device.
When prompted press any key in order to boot from DVD/USB.
Wait while the installation process is being initiated.
Now from the Windows installer menu go for Repair and follow the on screen prompts in order to fix your Windows 10 system – the data will not be erased as the OS system will be restored to a stable state.

3. Run a SFC scan

In addition, you can choose to run System File Checker:

Launch an elevated Command Prompt window (go to Start, right click on your Start button and select "Run cmd as administrator")
In the cmd window type sfc / scannow and press Enter
If the scan process gets stuck, learn how to fix chkdsk issue.

Expert Tip: Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.
Click here to download and start repairing.

If you're having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at this guide.

4. Refresh your system

Windows 10 allows you to reset your computer and leave all your files untouched. This option completely refreshes your system files and may help you fix Registry issues.

Here are the steps to follow:

Go to Settings panel > click ok Update and Security
Select Recovery > click on Get Started
Select Reset This PC section, and then Keep My Files
Follow the on-screen instructions.

If these methods didn't fix your Registry problems, then you probably will have to eventually install Windows from scratch.

Also, if you're having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this article to solve the issue.

5. Run the DISM command

Go to Start > launch Command Prompt as Administrator
Type the DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthcommand > hit Enter
Wait until the scan process completes

6. Clean your Registry

Registry entries are the footprints of everything you do on your computer: every app installed, every webpage that you visited, etc. Over time, these entries pile up and may cause Registry issues.

Cleaning them may fix the Registry corruption issues that you're experiencing. Check out this article for a step-by-step guide on how to clean your Registry entries and keys.

So, that was all for now; use the steps from above and try to fix Windows 10 corrupt registry. Also, don't forget to feedback by using the comments field from below.

If you've got additional tips and suggestions on how to fix corrupt Registry keys on Windows 10, you can list them in the comments below. Also, you can leave there any other questions that you may have.

This guide is part of a much large hub dedicated to fixing Windows Registries, so check it out since you might need to review it again in the future.

Come browse our dedicated Registry Section for more fixes, how-to guides, and news on the matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Windows Registry?

A WIndows Registry is a database of configuration settings in Microsoft Windows Operating Systems
Can corrupted Windows Registries lead to data loss?

Since an improper registry can lead to programs malfunctioning during their run, they can also indirectly cause data loss.
What can a corrupt registry lead to?

Besides data loss, a corrupt registry can lead to the inability of your OS to launch, install and save programs and files, and more.