4 Best Ways to Fix Registry Editor Not Working on Windows 11

Pankil is a Civil Engineer turned freelance writer. Since his arrival at Guiding Tech in 2021, he delves into the world of how-tos, and troubleshooting guides for Android, iOS, and Windows. Besides his new-found love for mechanical keyboards, he’s a disciplined footfall fan and loves international travel with his wife.

Fix 1: Run SFC and DISM Scan

Problems with the system files on your PC can cause Windows and its programs to malfunction. If that’s the case,running the SFC (System File Checker)and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scans will help.

Step 1:Right-click theStart iconand selectTerminal (Admin)from the list.

Step 2:In the console, paste the following command and pressEnter.

Step 3:Run the following commands to execute the DISM scan.

Restart your PC after running the above commands and see if you can use Registry Editor.

Fix 2: Replace Broken Regedit.exe

If the Registry Editor executable file on your PC is damaged, you may have trouble accessing it. You can try replacing the broken Registry Editor file with a new one and see if that helps.

Step 1:Click thesearch iconon the taskbar, type incommand prompt, and selectRun as administrator.

Step 2:Run the following commands and pressEnterafter each:

Step 3:Press theWindows key + Eto open File Explorer and navigate toC: > Windows.

Step 4:Rename theregedit.exefile toregeditOLD.exeand restart your computer.

Fix 3: Enable Registry Editor Using Group Policy Editor

Another reason why the Registry Editor may not open or work is if access is disabled from theGroup Policy. To re-enable it, use these steps:

Note:The Group Policy Editor is only available on Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. So, this method will not work for you if you’re using the Windows Home edition.

Step 1:Press theWindows key + Rto launch the Run dialog box. Typegpedit.mscin the Open field and pressEnter.

Step 2:Go toUser Configuration > Administrative Templates > System.

Step 3:Double-click thePrevent access to registry editing toolspolicy on your right.

Step 4:Select theDisabledorNot configuredoption from the following window. Then, hitApplyfollowed byOK.

Restart your PC after this, and the Registry Editor should work fine.

Fix 4: Perform System Restore

If nothing works, you can use System Restore to restore Windows to an earlier state before the issue first appeared. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1:Open the search menu, type increate a restore point, and select the first result that appears.

Step 2:Under the System Protection tab, click theSystem Restorebutton.

Step 3:ClickNext.

Step 4:Select the restore point before the issue first appeared.

Step 5:Review the restore point details before hittingFinish.

Your PC will restart and revert to the specified restore point. After that, the Registry Editor should function normally.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 04 July, 2024

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*

Name*

Email*

Comment*

Δ

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

More in Windows

4 Ways to Fix Error Code 0xc000000f in Windows 11

How to Insert Audio Files into Microsoft Word

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.

© 2024 Guiding Tech Media. All Rights Reserved.