The Windows Registry stores important files that are necessary for the normal functioning of the Windows operating system, system applications, and processes. The majority of changes made to your computer are stored in keys and entries known as Registry Files.
These files are responsible for the optimal functioning of many applications and system processes. As you use and personalize your computer, Windows creates more and more registry files, most of which will not be deleted even if they are no longer needed.
The registry is full of redundant files that will eventually get corrupted, damaged, or corrupted. Factors such as power outages, sudden shutdowns, faulty hardware, malware, and viruses can also corrupt some registry entries. As a result, corrupt registry entries clog up your PC’s memory, slow down your computer, and sometimes lead to startup problems.
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Do you need to fix corrupted registry entries?
Sometimes you should confirm that your Windows computer does not have corrupted entries in the registry. Doing so will positive impact on your PC performanceespecially if your computer is running slow or if some system applications are not working correctly.
The point is: You may benefit more from deleting or fixing corrupted registry files than from letting them bloat the registry.
Windows has a number of built-in tools that can help diagnose problems with registry files. Move on to the next section to learn how to use these tools to fix corrupted registry entries on Windows PC.
Note: The Windows Registry is a database of sensitive files and settings. Therefore, it is important to create a backup of the registry before you try to make changes to the registry or fix corrupted registry entries. Damaging any registry files can corrupt the Windows operating system and cause your computer to malfunction. Create a backup that acts as your insurance should anything go wrong. This Windows Registry backup and restore guide has everything you need to know.
1. Perform Disk Cleanup
The Disk Cleanup tool allows you to remove unnecessary files from your computer, including corrupted registry entries. To access this tool, type Disk cleanup in the Windows Search box and click Disk Cleanup in the results.
Click Clean up system files button.
You can check other file options in “Files to delete window. These are redundant temporary files that your computer can do without. You can click on a file type and check Description to learn more about files and their effects. Click ALRIGHT when you finish selecting the file.
Click Delete Document on the confirmation prompt and Windows will permanently delete the corrupted registry files and other selected files.
2. Use the System File Checker
The System File Checker (SFC) is another important tool built into the Windows operating system. This tool repairs corrupted registry files using the “repair or replace” method. It scans your computer for corrupted or missing system files. If the tool finds any, it will replace them with a new copy. This tool is accessible through the Command Prompt; Here’s how to use it:
1. Right-click the Start Menu or Windows icon and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the Quick Access menu.
2. Type or paste sfc / scannow and press Enter.
When the SFC utility executes the command (PS: this can take up to 30 minutes), it will let you know if it found or repaired any corrupted files. This makes the utility a good way to confirm if your computer has any corrupted registry entries.
Note: If you get a message that says “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but could not fix some of them,” run the SFC command again. If this continues, restart your computer and try again.
3. Run the DISM . tool
You can also use Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command to repair corrupted registry files, especially if the System File Checker does not find or repair any corrupted registry files.
Right click on the Start Menu button and select Command Prompt (Admin). Type or paste DISM / Online / Cleanup-Image / RestoreHealth go to the control panel and press enter on the keyboard.
That will prompt the DISM tool to scan your computer for corrupted and damaged system files; check the results to confirm if any files were replaced.
4. Repair Windows Installation
Another way to fix or replace corrupted registry entries is to reinstall Windows from scratch while preserving your personal files, installed applications, and other system settings. This is called a repair install (or repair upgrade).
You need to download Windows 10 Disk Image (ISO file) from the Microsoft website. Double-click the disk image file to compliment the repair installation. Follow the installation prompts and agree to the required terms of use/license. On the “Ready to install” page, make sure that the option says “Keep Windows settings, personal files, and apps” on the screen.
If not, click Change what needs to be kept and choose Keep your personal files, apps and Windows settings.
Once the installation is complete, your PC should be free of corrupted or damaged registry files.
5. Run auto repair
The Automatic Repair utility is great for dealing with startup related problems on Windows 10 computers. It is also equipped to scan and fix problems affecting registry settings and other system files and configurations.
1. To access the Auto Repair tool, go to Setting > Update & Security > The recuperation and click Restart now in the “Advanced Startup” section.
That will reboot your PC into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
2. Select Troubleshoot proceed with.
3. Click Advance setting.
4. Select Start the repair from the Advanced Options list.
5. Select your account and enter your profile password to continue. If the account is not password protected, just click Continue proceed with.
The Automatic (Startup) Repair Tool will scan your computer and repair any corrupted registry files it finds.
6. Use the registry scanner
You can also use a third-party registry scanner (also known as a registry optimizer or registry cleaner) to fix corrupted registry entries on your Windows computer. The software will bring your PC registry back into shape, removing and replacing damaged and missing files.
Malwarebytes is a trusted and reliable registry cleaner program that you can use to fix corrupted registry entries. The problem with these registry cleaners is that they sometimes don’t always fix or replace registry files. A malicious registry scanner can even corrupt your PC’s registry. Make sure you read enough reviews before installing a third-party registry scanning tool.
Healthy registration system, healthy PC
In addition to the solutions marked above, you can also fix corrupted registry entries in Windows by reverting your PC to a restore point where the registry entries were not corrupted. Another option is to reset your computer (go to Setting > Update & Security > The recuperation > Reset This PC). Performing a reset will erase all installed apps and system settings (but keep your personal files). So you should just reset your PC as a last resort.
Finally, make sure you scan your PC for malware and viruses cause registry entries to become corrupted or damaged.
