| Path | Purpose | |------|---------| | HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders | Custom user folder paths | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders | System defaults for new users | Memory, processor, and filesystem tweaks.
| Path | Key Settings | |------|---------------| | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem | NTFS features (8.3 filenames, last access updates) | | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management | LargeSystemCache, Paging files, DEP | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Multimedia\SystemProfile | Multimedia scheduling priority | You can paste these directly into regedit address bar or Win + R :
| Path | Purpose | |------|---------| | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters | Global TCP/IP settings (MTU, TTL, DNS) | | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\GUID | Per-network adapter settings | | HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings | Proxy, auto-config, security zones | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Network Connections | Lock down network settings | Audit, UAC, and login settings. windows registry keys list
| Path | Purpose | |------|---------| | HKLM\HARDWARE\DESCRIPTION\System | BIOS, CPU, system info (dynamic) | | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum | All connected devices (PnP) | | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services | Driver services and start types | | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class | Device class GUIDs (e.g., network adapters) | Manage installed apps and uninstall strings.
| Path | Key Settings | |------|---------------| | HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced | Show hidden files, file extensions, etc. | | HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState | Full path in title bar | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons | Override system icons | | HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop | Wallpaper, menu speed, mouse settings | Manage TCP/IP, IE/Edge, and network adapters. | Path | Key Settings | |------|---------------| |
| Path | Key Settings | |------|---------------| | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System | Enable/disable UAC, Ctrl+Alt+Del requirements | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer | Hide drives, disable registry tools | | HKLM\SECURITY | Only accessible by SYSTEM – local security policies | | HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer | User-level restrictions | Device installation and monitoring.
| Path | Purpose | |------|---------| | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | System-wide startup apps | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce | Run once on next boot (then deleted) | | HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | Current user startup apps | | HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce | User-level run once | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | 32-bit apps on 64-bit Windows | Customize File Explorer, taskbar, and context menus. mouse settings | Manage TCP/IP
| Path | Key Settings | |------|---------------| | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU | Auto-update settings (target version, deferral) | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate | Update history and current status | Redirect Documents, Desktop, Downloads, etc.