[Fixed] Broken Registry Items in Windows 11 | Stellar (2023)

Summary: Broken registry items could cause many problems on your system like slow PC, blue screen errors, or drive errors. Thankfully, you can fix broken registry items with the methods shared in this blog. Other than this, if you lose access to your data due to any issue caused by these broken or corrupted registries, download and keep a data recovery software handy to recover data instantly.

Contents

  • What Causes Broken Registry Items in Windows?
  • How to fix broken registry items?
  • FAQ

Windows registry, being an integral part of the system, stores a central hierarchical database that contains the necessary information to configure the system for one or more users, hardware devices, and apps. The registry is best left unaltered certainly since improper meddling will be harmful to the system. However, the registry accumulates, and with time, there may be many corrupted or broken registry entries on your system. These broken entries could put your system in a vicious cycle of errors, putting the device and its data at risk.

If you want to learn how to fix broken registry items, read this blog for the best workable methods. Further, finding the root cause of the error helps you fix the issue quite quickly and efficiently.

What Causes Broken Registry Items in Windows?

There’s no single underlying reason but multiple factors behind piling up older, broken, or corrupted registry items in your system. A few of them are discussed below.

Malware Infection

(Video) How to fix broken registry items in Windows 11

Perhaps the most common reason for broken registry items is malware or virus infection on your system. It can cause issues with your system keys and values, corrupt the registries, and attempt to infiltrate and replicate registry entries at once, thereby affecting the functioning of your system settings.

Apps leftovers

Even if you’ve uninstalled some problematic applications, they may leave redundant entries, accumulating over time.

Registry Meddling

Making improper changes to the registry editor can lead to broken registry items. It primarily happens when you’re not familiar with the interface and meddle with the Registry Editor using some hit-and-trial method.

Improper system shutdowns

Frequent or improper system shutdowns can also cause registry items corruption.

Lastly, too many corrupted, buggy, or misplaced items may be clogging your registry, which can eventually cause several issues, such as slow-running PC, BSoD (Blue Screen of Death) errors, Code 10 errors, DLL errors, fatal system errors, and more.

How to fix broken registry items?

Irrespective of the causes, the below methods will let you know how to fix broken registries with the methods discussed below. However, if the data is more important, recover it using professional data recovery software.

(Video) How to fix broken registry items in Windows 11

#1 Use the Disk Cleanup tool

Windows comes with a built-in disk cleanup utility that can help you remove temporary files, unwanted download files, and other system clutter that also cleans the registry associated with some applications. Follow the given steps:

  • Open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E and then navigate to This PC.
  • Right-click on the C: drive and open its Properties.
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  • Next, under the General tab, click Disk Cleanup.
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  • Now, click Cleanup system files.
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  • Select the files you want to remove and click OK to proceed.
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  • Finally, click Delete Files to complete the process.
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Other than this, you can also run Disk Cleanup by opening the Run dialog box (press Windows + R) and typing cleanmgr.exe command and clicking OK. In addition, then select Cleanup system files.

#2 Run DISM and SFC Scan

Both DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) are Windows built-in utilities. Where DISM is used to service and prepare Windows images, SFC replaces the incorrect versions of system files, respectively. These also can help you fix the broken registry items. Follow the given steps:

  • From Windows Search, run Command Prompt as administrator.
[Fixed] Broken Registry Items in Windows 11 | Stellar (7)
  • Now, type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and hit Enter.
  • Once the scan is completed, type sfc/scannow and press Enter.
[Fixed] Broken Registry Items in Windows 11 | Stellar (8)

Let the process complete as it may take some time. Once done, please check the scan results. Finally, close the window.

#3 Run Malware Scan on PC

Since malware/viruses are also one of the reasons behind broken registry entries, try running a malware check on your PC. For this, you can use Windows built-in antimalware program – Windows Defender. Follow the given steps:

  • Open System Settings by pressing Windows + I and navigate to Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Microsoft Defender Offline scan > Scan now.
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Once done, close the window and reboot your system.

#4 Perform System Restore

If you face any fatal system error, broken/corrupted or invalid registry entries could be the reason behind it. You can try performing a system restore to bring back your system to its good old functioning state. To do so, follow the steps shared below.

  • Open Create a restore point from Windows Search.
[Fixed] Broken Registry Items in Windows 11 | Stellar (10)
  • Next, click System Restore under the System Protection tab on the System Properties window.
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  • Click Next on the Restore system files and settings window.
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  • Now, select a restore point and click Scan for affected programs.
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  • After checking the programs/drivers, etc. that are going to be affected, click Close.
  • Now, click Next > Finish.

Note: How to Use System Restore on Windows 10

#5 Reset your PC

If performing System Restore fails to solve the issue for you, try resetting the PC to its default settings. Resetting your system will let you perform a clean reinstallation and update your system while keeping most of the Windows settings intact. A clean installation may somewhat improve your system’s performance, browsing experience, battery life, and more. Follow the below-said steps to reset the system:

(Video) How to Fix Broken Registry Items in Windows 11

  • Press Windows + I to access Windows Settings and then follow Update & Security > Recovery.
  • There, on the right side, click Reset PC under Reset this PC.
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  • Now, you’d be given two options – (I) Keep my files and (II) Remove everything. Select Remove Everything to let the process work efficiently.
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  • On the next prompt, click Local Reinstall.
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  • Next, click Change settings, choose the option as per your preference, and then click Confirm.
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  • Read the details on the next prompt and click Next.
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  • Finally, the utility will show you all the details that are going to be removed with a note. Click Reset to confirm your action.
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  • Once your system is reset, you can see the problem being fixed due to broken items in the registry.

So, now you know how to remove broken registry items in the Windows system. Beware of those third-party registry cleaner software or apps. You could end up causing more damage to your system. Additionally, if you’ve reset your PC without backing up your data, learn how to recover files after Factory resetting your Windows 10.

FAQ

1. What is the purpose of the Windows registry used?

The Windows registry collects data that Windows continually references while performing multiple operations, such as profiles for each user, property sheet settings for folders, app icons, types of documents that each app can create, and more.

2. Where is the registry located in the Windows system?

The Windows system stores the registry files in C: drive. You can find the registry following this path – This PC > Local Disk (C:) Drive > Windows > System32 > Config folder.

3. What is Code 19 Error in Windows 10?

The code 19 error can occur due to corrupted or invalid registry entries, incompatible drivers, hardware issues, etc. This error prevents you from accessing your hard drive and its data. Further, it may eventually lead to system malfunctioning.

4. Does the BAD SYSTEM CONFIG INFO error occur due to registry entries?

The BAD SYSTEM CONFIG INFO is a blue screen of death error that may occur due to many possible reasons. Among all, a corrupt or invalid registry entry is considered as the primary reason behind this bug code. It can show up on the first boot-up or while running the CHKDSK scan.

(Video) [5 Ways] How to Fix Broken Registry Items Windows 10/11

5. Should I clean the Windows registry?

Even though, there are many registry cleaners available online. You shouldn’t try to clean the Windows registry as it is a system file that contains vital data about your system and how it works. Messing with this file can indeed cause havoc on your system.

About The Author

[Fixed] Broken Registry Items in Windows 11 | Stellar (20)

Mansi Verma

(Video) Fix, Clean And Repair Windows 11 Registry [Tutorial]

Mansi Verma is a Senior Technology Writer at Stellar®. She is a Tech enthusiast, holding over 8 years of experience in Data Recovery, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, and the Robotics technology domain. She loves researching and providing DIY solutions to solve Windows technical issues. In her spare time, she likes reading novels, and poetry. She also enjoys Travelling, Rafting, Trekking, etc.

FAQs

[Fixed] Broken Registry Items in Windows 11 | Stellar? ›

Even misidentified or damaged hardware can cause broken registry items. The most recent versions of Windows can dynamically create registry items at or even after boot time to support features like Plug and Play. If the system fails to accurately identify the hardware, it may result in inaccurate registry entries.

How do I clean up registry errors in Windows 11? ›

How To Clean Registry in Windows 10 and 11
  1. Press Start and type Disk Cleanup in search bar.
  2. Click on app.
  3. Once the app opens, a window will appear, select the Windows C: drive and then click OK.
  4. After the tool completes its scan, click on Clean up system files.

Why do I keep getting broken registry items? ›

Even misidentified or damaged hardware can cause broken registry items. The most recent versions of Windows can dynamically create registry items at or even after boot time to support features like Plug and Play. If the system fails to accurately identify the hardware, it may result in inaccurate registry entries.

Does Windows 11 have a built in registry cleaner? ›

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.

How do I check if my registry is broken Windows 11? ›

Step 1: Type cmd or Command Prompt in the search bar. Step 2: Right-click on the Command Prompt and select the Run as administrator to type the cmd. Step 3: In the Command Prompt window, type command 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter. This command will scan your entire system files and find all the damaged ones.

How do I fix broken registries in Windows 11? ›

How to Fix Broken Registry Items in Windows 11
  1. Press Win + R to launch the Run command box. ...
  2. Disk Cleanup tool will launch. ...
  3. Navigate down and click on the Clean up system files button.
  4. The Disk Cleanup tool will launch again. ...
  5. Wait for the utility to scan the system. ...
  6. Disk Cleanup will reconfirm your decision.
Feb 15, 2023

How do I completely clean my registry? ›

How to safely clean your Windows Registry
  1. Open the Registry Editor. On your keyboard, press the Windows. ...
  2. Create a Registry Backup. ...
  3. Clean up Program and Application Registry Entries. ...
  4. Clean up Prematurely Removed Software Registry Entries. ...
  5. Clean up Invalid Shared DLLs.
Jun 16, 2022

Does CCleaner fix broken registry items? ›

CCleaner cleans out the Registry to help prevent errors from occurring, which can help it run faster.

How do I fix registry corruption? ›

How Do I Fix Registry Errors?
  1. Run the Windows Error Checking tool. ...
  2. Run the SFC /scannow command. ...
  3. Use a Registry cleaner program. ...
  4. End all processes before shutting down. ...
  5. Reverse overclocking. ...
  6. Review the Windows 10 Event Viewer. ...
  7. Restore your computer to a previous state. ...
  8. Update the Windows BIOS.
Aug 25, 2021

Do I need to fix broken registries? ›

Any broken Windows Registry entries should be fixed, but this is dependent on whether the entries were broken in your last backup file. Once you've repaired the Windows Registry, make sure to make a further backup to ensure you can repair it in the future.

Should I use CCleaner to clean registry? ›

On its own, to clean temp files, etc (even though that's unnecessary as well), CCleaner is OKAY. I would not under any circumstances recommend cleaning the registry.

Does Windows 11 need cleaner? ›

After a computer has been in use for some time, its overall performance will slow down due to frequent data storage and excessive startup items no matter you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11. You will need the help of pc cleaner and optimizer tool to clean up your hard drive and boost your PC performance.

Does Microsoft make a registry cleaner? ›

The Windows Registry Editor in Windows 10 allows you to review, change, and delete registry entries.

Does resetting Windows fix registry? ›

The Only Way to Fully Reset the Registry

The process of resetting Windows reinstalls the operating system, which will naturally reset the registry. To reset your Windows PC, open Settings from the Start menu or with Win + I, then go to Update & Security > Recovery and click Get Started under Reset this PC.

Does Windows 11 have a repair tool? ›

Microsoft Software Repair Tool. Microsoft Software Repair is a nice straightforward tool designed by Microsoft to help mitigate software issues on Surface devices, but it can be used with Windows 10/11 installations on other devices just as effectively. This tool restores Windows 10/11 to its default settings.

How do you know my Windows 11 is genuine or pirated? ›

There is no such official method to check genuineness of Windows.

How to fix a broken registry using command prompt? ›

Replies (2) 
  1. Open Start and type cmd, right-click on "Command Prompt", and select "Run as administrator".
  2. Run the following commands at the Command Prompt one at a time: dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth. dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth. ...
  3. Restart the PC and see if the problem is resolved.
Jan 20, 2022

How to bypass Windows 11 requirements registry? ›

How to bypass Windows 11 CPU requirements
  1. Windows+r and then type regedit.
  2. After that navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup.
  3. Then right-click on the left side and create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  4. Now you have to set its name to AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU and set its value to 1.
Mar 6, 2023

How do I restore Windows registry? ›

Restoring the Windows registry backup
  1. Open the Windows Registry Editor by doing either of the following: ...
  2. Click File > Import.
  3. Select the directory where the registry backup will be imported (e.g. desktop) and select the registry backup.
  4. Click Open.
  5. Restart your computer to begin using the restored registry.

Does Windows have a free registry cleaner? ›

Advanced SystemCare is a free-to-use registry cleaner with an attractive user interface and comes with a range of tools that not only clean your computer but also make it fast and secure. Like CCleaner, this cleaner is easy to use, which makes it ideal for beginners or non-tech-savvy people.

Is it safe to do registry clean? ›

We don't recommend using Registry cleaners to optimize the Windows Registry. That's because these tools usually make sweeping changes to the Registry, which, in some cases, can damage it.

How often should you clean your registry? ›

Why it is important to clean the Windows Registry frequently. To prevent crashes, as well as to stop the computer system from slowing down, frequent registry cleaning is very important. We recommend cleaning up the Windows Registry once every three days so that the system can perform efficiently and effectively.

What app fixes broken registry items? ›

How do I clean my registry? With Avast Cleanup, it's easy to clean your registry. Simply run a scan and Avast Cleanup will identify broken registry items, orphaned entries, invalid file type pointers, and old startup entries from third parties. Avast Cleanup safely deletes or repairs all problematic registry entries.

What causes corrupt registry files? ›

A power failure or some other unexpected shutdown event may cause a corrupted registry hive. To determine whether this is the cause of the issue, look for event ID 6008 entries. Event ID 6008 entries indicate that there was an unexpected shutdown.

What are the symptoms of corrupted registry? ›

Signs of Corrupt Windows Registry

The signs of a corrupt registry are mostly sudden when least expected. It is like having your PC crashes or freezes without any warning. You have error messages on your screen with some of your routine application refusing to start.

How to clean registry using cmd? ›

2. Clean registry Using DISM
  1. Open Start and search for cmd.
  2. On the right-hand menu, click on “Run as administrator,”now command prompt will open up with elevated permission.
  3. In the terminal window, type: dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and click.
Aug 23, 2022

Can broken registry slow down computer? ›

Some of your registry keys may actually be invalid, or even corrupt. These useless registry keys can slow down your computer. Useful or not, registry keys places demands on your computer. Registry keys are hungry for space on your hard drive disk, and they can also drain valuable computing power from your PC.

Should I delete broken registry items? ›

While registry entries consume negligible amounts of hard disk space, they can noticeably slow down your PC as they can bloat up the system, consume resources, and lead to conflicts. Therefore, it's necessary to delete corrupted, empty, and duplicate registry entries to optimize your system's performance.

Do broken registry items slow down your computer? ›

Consequently, broken registry items clog your PC's storage, slow down your computer, and sometimes result in startup problems.

Is the new CCleaner safe? ›

Is CCleaner safe? Yes, CCleaner is safe. That said, CCleaner has battled several security concerns since its acquisition by Avast.

Why do we need a registry cleaner? ›

Registry cleaners are created to help in removing invalid references to resources that are no longer present on the system from the Windows registry. These resources may be outdated, which includes system information, DLLs, programs, fonts, or uninstalled software.

Does CCleaner detect viruses? ›

However, one thing CCleaner doesn't do is detect or remove viruses, spyware, or malware. Even if you're a cautious internet user, we always recommend having a modern antivirus program installed to protect against the risk of computer viruses and malicious software.

Is CCleaner OK for Windows 11? ›

CCleaner provides an easy way to manage cookies, files, and temporary data on your computer. The update to CCleaner version 6.06 introduced a few extra useful features specific to Windows 11, making it even easier to keep your PC running smoothly and securely.

Is it better to do a clean install of Windows 11? ›

A “clean install of Windows 11” is always recommended for new setups, upgrades, or reinstalls. This method takes the most time and doesn't keep your files, settings, and apps, but it's the method that is more likely to complete the installation successfully.

How do I deep clean Windows 11? ›

Disk cleanup in Windows
  1. In the search box on the taskbar, type disk cleanup, and select Disk Cleanup from the list of results.
  2. Select the drive you want to clean up, and then select OK.
  3. Under Files to delete, select the file types to get rid of. To get a description of the file type, select it.
  4. Select OK.

What is the major disadvantage of using registry in Windows? ›

Windows registry disadvantages are as follows: Transferring per-program user settings between Windows machines is tedious, as the Windows registry is largely dependent on the local machine.

Does McAfee have registry cleaner? ›

McAfee Total Protection is an antivirus software that comes with a PC cleaner and a file shredder. The PC cleaner deletes temporary internet files and broken shortcuts, and it removes unneeded registry keys that you don't need.

What are the risks of editing Windows registry? ›

Modifying the registry improperly can result in Windows becoming corrupted. You should only attempt these directions if you have your data backed up and are willing to risk creating additional problems. You should also back up the Windows registry (see Windows - Backing Up the Registry) before attempting any changes.

Do all registry changes require a reboot? ›

Very simply put - depends on the registry change in question *and* whether or not just restarting Explorer.exe (all instances) might have the desired effect without messing too much up. So the answer to your question depends on the registry setting.

How long does it take to restore Windows registry? ›

If your System Restore Windows takes a long time to perform, something wrong may happen with it or your PC. But you can wait for some minutes; it usually takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a system restore. And it can take up to 1.5-2 hours if your PC is running slow.

Does Windows 11 get corrupted? ›

You can fix corrupted startup files using Windows 11's own startup repair tool. You can find that by using the Advanced Tools at startup and navigating to Troubleshoot>Advanced Options>Startup Repair. It will then run on the next reboot and will try to fix any corrupted startup files you have on your Windows 11 system.

How do I open advanced repair options in Windows 11? ›

The Advanced Boot Options screen lets you start Windows in advanced troubleshooting modes. You can access the menu by turning on your computer and pressing the F8 key before Windows starts.

Is it safe to use FixWin? ›

Is FixWin Safe? Some security software may give out false positives. But rest assured that FixWin is safe and clean. It does not have Hacktool or malware characteristics and cannot monitor your PC.

How to check genuine Windows 11 using cmd? ›

Click Start icon, type cmd in the Search box, right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. In the Command Prompt window, you can type the following command: wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey. Press Enter to execute the command and it will show your Windows 11 product key.

What happens if you pirate Windows 11? ›

Since pirated copies do not receive updates, malware or viruses are more likely to infect them. And a single strain of malware, like the dreaded ransomware, can erase or lock you out of your files. Besides random attacks, the person you downloaded Windows from could have loaded the pirated copy with malware.

Is Windows 11 bad for piracy? ›

Windows 11 does not detect pirated software. However, pirated software often contains malware and can cause harm to your computer. Windows Defender may notify you of potentially harmful software but if you whitelist it, you can continue using it with no issues.

How do I fix all registry errors? ›

Replies (2) 
  1. Open Start and type cmd, right-click on "Command Prompt", and select "Run as administrator".
  2. Run the following commands at the Command Prompt one at a time: dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth. dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth. ...
  3. Restart the PC and see if the problem is resolved.
Jan 20, 2022

How do I fix registry errors on my computer? ›

Use System Restore to Fix the Windows Registry
  1. Press Windows key + S and search for restore.
  2. Select the create a restore point result.
  3. This will open System Properties > System Protection, where you can check whether protection is on, configure settings, and create a restore point right now.

Can a system restore fix registry errors? ›

Restoring the Windows registry

The most common methods for fixing corrupt records are: Restoring the Windows registry from Safe Mode. Restoring the registry from the command prompt. Fixing Windows registry errors with System Restore.

Does reinstalling Windows fix registry errors? ›

The Only Way to Fully Reset the Registry

As a result, the only true way to reset the Windows Registry to default is to reset your Windows PC. The process of resetting Windows reinstalls the operating system, which will naturally reset the registry.

How do I Reset my Windows registry? ›

Step 1: Open Windows Settings by pressing Win + I or from the start menu. Step 2: Go to Update and Security > Recovery. Step 3: Opt for "get started" from the Reset this PC option. You can either wipe everything clean or start again, and you can just reinstall Windows and maintain your existing files.

How do I enable Action Center in Windows 11 registry? ›

Select the Explorer key and double-click on DisableNotificationCenter (DWORD). Set the Value to 0 and click OK. This will enable the Action Center. Exit out of the Registry Editor when you're finished.

Does Windows have a registry repair? ›

If invalid registry entries are detected, Windows Registry Checker automatically restores a previous day's backup. This is equivalent to running the scanreg /autorun command from a command prompt. If no backups are available, Windows Registry Checker tries to make repairs to the registry.

How do I restore my registry settings? ›

Restoring the Windows registry backup
  1. Open the Windows Registry Editor by doing either of the following: ...
  2. Click File > Import.
  3. Select the directory where the registry backup will be imported (e.g. desktop) and select the registry backup.
  4. Click Open.
  5. Restart your computer to begin using the restored registry.

What does registry cleaner do? ›

A registry cleaner is a class of third-party utility software designed for the Microsoft Windows operating system, whose purpose is to remove redundant items from the Windows Registry.

How do you repair Windows 11 & fix corrupted files? ›

On the Command Prompt window, type the command: sfc/scannow and press "enter". If the SFC scans and verifies that the protected file has been corrupted or changed, it will repair and replace it with the correct copy. The SFC can even try to repair the file cache if it is found to be changed or corrupted.

Videos

1. How to fix broken registry items Windows 10 (2023)
(5 Minute Solution)
2. How To Fix Broken Registry Items Fix Windows 10
(Moe Tutorials)
3. How to Fix Corrupt Registry in Windows 11 [Tutorial]
(TechFixIT)
4. How to Reset Registry in Windows to Default Settings
(Britec09)
5. How to Delete Broken Registry Items on Windows 10?
(PCrisk)
6. Ultimate Guide to Fix Almost ANY Windows Corruption (Without Reinstalling)
(ThioJoe)

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