: This is the intended replacement for manual registry backups. Run rstrui.exe from the command prompt in the Advanced Startup options to revert to a previous state.
Because there is no data in these files, using the standard copy command in the recovery environment will not repair your registry. Alternative Solutions to Repair Your Windows Registry
If you are trying to restore your Windows registry using the copy *.* .. command in the RegBack folder and it isn't working, it is likely because Microsoft disabled automatic registry backups starting in . In newer versions, the files in \System32\config\RegBack often show a size of 0 KB , making them useless for recovery. Why "copy . .." Fails regback copy not working
Run the System File Checker by targeting your offline Windows drive (replace D: with your actual Windows drive): sfc /scannow /offbootdir=D:\ /offwindir=D:\Windows Use code with caution. Once finished, run the Deployment Image Servicing tool: dism /image:D:\ /cleanup-image /restorehealth Use code with caution. Step 3: How to Re-Enable Automatic Registry Backups
As mentioned, from Windows 10 1803 onward, the default behavior was changed. The registry key: : This is the intended replacement for manual
If you have a secondary user account on the PC or can boot into Safe Mode, you might be able to manually load and fix a corrupt registry hive using the Registry Editor. Boot into . Type regedit and press Enter . Click on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE . Go to File > Load Hive .
If you want Windows to start backing up the registry to the RegBack folder again (so you can use this method in the future), you must enable a specific Registry entry. Alternative Solutions to Repair Your Windows Registry If
Identify your Windows drive letter (it might change to D: or E: in recovery mode) by typing dir C: or dir D: until you see the Windows folder. Navigate to the RegBack folder: cd /d D:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack Use code with caution. List the files and their sizes: dir Use code with caution.
In older versions of Windows (like Windows 10 before version 1803), Windows automatically backed up the registry to the RegBack folder every few days via a scheduled task.
Turn your computer on and off three times consecutively using the physical power button to force the screen. Click Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options . Select System Restore . Choose your administrator account and enter your password.
After restore, verify RegBack functionality.