Let us begin by defining what a Windows registry is. In essence, it is a complex database with information about the hardware and software on your computer. These entries can potentially land you in big trouble if not cleaned properly. Let’s dig in to understand more.
What Causes Registry Errors on Windows
There are several reasons why registry errors may occur. In most cases, errors are caused by the installation or uninstallation of the software. It often creates new entries in the registry when the software is installed. But when software is uninstalled, these entries aren’t always removed. This causes errors.
The buildup of junk files and invalid entries over time is another common cause of registry errors. These can be caused by a variety of things, such as improperly closing programs, installing/uninstalling programs without using the proper tools, etc. Over time, as more and more entries are added to the registry, it can become bloated and inefficient. This can result in registry errors and may slow down the performance of your computer. So,
Create a Backup of Registry Files
As a precaution, before proceeding with registry cleanup, you should take a backup of the registry. You can use this backup to restore the registry to its original state if something goes wrong. Step 1: Press ‘Windows Key + R’ and type the following command to open Registry Editor. Step 2: Next, click on Yes to the prompt.
Step 3: Go to the File menu and select Export from the drop-down. Select all of your export ranges to back up the entire registry. However, if you are changing a specific branch, you can make a backup for that.
Step 4: Select the location and name of the file and click on Save.
Sometimes when importing, you may see a registry editor cannot import file error, and one of the common reasons is the file’s location. So, we highly recommend storing this backup file on a flash drive or any external hard drive for safety. Once done, let’s get to cleaning the Windows registry.
How to Clean Windows Registry Manually
Let’s discuss different ways to clean the registry on Windows 10 and 11. There are a lot of free registry cleaners but Windows also has its own built-in registry cleaners that you can use. Note: All the methods mentioned below are the same for Windows 10 and 11.
1. Using Disk Cleanup
This tool is not specific to cleaning up registry files; however, it is a handy tool to clean up the leftover files from the registry and, by far, the easiest way to do so. Step 1: Press the Windows key, type Disk Cleanup, and press Enter.
Step 2: In the prompt ‘Select the drive you want to clean up,’ select the drive where Windows OS (C:) is installed and click on OK.
The tool automatically calculates how much space can be freed on the selected drive. At times, you may find yourself stuck in the calculating window. A simple cancel and restarting would work; if not, check out different ways to sort out the issue. Step 3: Now, click on ‘Clean up system files,’ select necessary folders, and press OK. You can checkmark all the options; just ensure that you don’t have anything in the Recycle Bin that you may want.
2. Use DISM to Clean Registry Files
DCIM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is another tool/command in Windows that can fix updates and system errors. It can also fix broken registry entries. Here’s how: Step 1: Press the Windows key, type Command Prompt, and click on ‘Run as administrator.’
Step 2: Now, type the following command in Command Prompt.
That’s it. The scanner will find and clean all the errors and sort them on its own. Mind you, not all the errors will pertain to the registry, but with this, you can fix issues you didn’t even know existed.
3. Clean Windows Registry using Third-Party Tools: CCleaner
If you’re a Windows user, you have probably already come across CCleaner, a popular Windows PC cleaner software. This freemium software does a bit of everything, from helping clear out cookies to dumping temporary files (also including registry files). Note: If you are directly jumping on to this method, we recommend taking a backup of your registry, which we mentioned at the start of this article. Step 1: Download and install CCleaner for free using the link below, and run it.
Download CCleaner
Step 2: Click on Start.
Step 3: Go to Space.
Step 4: Check all the boxes (Recycle bin, Temporary Application Files, and Temporary System Files) and click on ‘Back to Overview.’
Step 5: Now, click on the ‘Make it better’ button.
There you go. CCleaner will clean up your temporary files as well as your registry files. This software offers many more features, which you can explore on your own or check out our guide.
Get Rid of Registry Files Quick
Registry files play a role in running Windows properly, but they are also responsible for irregularities and system crashes. Having learned how to safely clean the registry on Windows 10 and 11, you may find it useful to learn how to fix the registry editor when the program stops working properly. Happy cleaning! The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
