Sometimes you may need to edit the Windows Registry which is a core part of the operating system. For instance, there are software leftovers you want to wipe off your PC manually; some software prevent uninstallation without a password which you have already forgotten. Whatever the reason you have, it is recommended to backup the Windows Registry before you edit it. In case any error occurs, you can restore the Registry to fix it. Compared to full system backup, the Registry backup is much easier and faster. The Windows Registry Editor is a built-in program to do this. See how to backup the Windows Registry using Windows Registry Editor on a Windows 10 computer. The following guide also works on Windows 7, Windows 8.
In Windows 10, type “regedit” (without quotes) in the search box, then select Registry Editor from the result to open it. You can also press the Windows key and R key at the same time to open the Run dialog, then enter “regedit” (without quotes) in the Open box and press OK button to quickly open the Registry Editor on a Windows PC.
You will see two panels in Registry Editor, the navigation panel on the left and details for selected entry on the right. You can select all entries or just a selection to backup.
To create a full backup of Windows Registry using Windows Registry Editor on a computer, click to select Computer from the left panel, then click File menu and choose Export from the drop-down menu. Alternatively simply select the Computer section from the left panel, right-click on it and select Export.
You will then see a new pop-up where you can type a name for the Registry backup and pick a location and folder to save it to. The registry backup will be saved in the .reg file type.
If you want to backup the entire section like root, user, machine, users, and config, then right-click on that specific section and select Export.
If you want to restore the registry backup in the future, simply double click on the .reg file or use the “import” option under File menu in Windows Registry Editor.
