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Start by checking whether Windows still reaches the desktop. If it does, import a saved export of the registry key you changed or use System Restore if a suitable restore point exists. If Windows will not start, open Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and try its recovery tools. Back up important files before disruptive recovery steps, and keep your BitLocker recovery key available in case Windows asks for it.

First, identify what changed and whether Windows starts

Microsoft warns that improper registry changes can cause “significant issues, including system instability, application errors, or even prevent Windows from starting.” (Microsoft Support: System configuration tools in Windows)

Note the key or value you edited, the problem that followed, and whether you saved a .reg export before making the change. The right recovery option depends on whether Windows boots and what backup you have. A registry export restores only the data it contains; System Restore rolls back a broader set of system changes.

If Windows starts: import the saved registry export

Use this option only if you exported the relevant key or subkey before editing. An export is not necessarily a backup of the entire registry, and an unrelated .reg file may make the problem worse.

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  1. Open Registry Editor.
  2. Select File > Import.
  3. Locate the saved .reg backup and select Open.

Microsoft documents exporting selected keys or subkeys and importing the saved file; importing restores only the registry data captured in that export. See Microsoft’s registry backup and restore instructions for the supported Windows versions and details.

If the problem affects more than one setting: try System Restore

System Restore can roll back system files, registry settings, and installed programs to a selected restore point. Microsoft says it does not affect personal files. Choose a restore point from before the problem began, then review the changes Windows lists before confirming.

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This option depends on a suitable restore point being available. System Protection, which creates restore points containing system files, installed applications, the Registry, and system settings, is not enabled by default, so availability varies by PC. See Microsoft’s System Restore guidance and System Protection information.

If Windows will not start: use Windows Recovery Environment

WinRE provides recovery tools when Windows cannot start normally. After repeated startup failures, Windows may enter WinRE automatically. You can also reach recovery through Advanced startup or Windows installation media; Microsoft’s WinRE guide explains access options and available tools.

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Run Startup Repair for a startup failure

  1. In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions and restart to check whether Windows starts.

Startup Repair attempts to address some startup problems, and Microsoft includes registry errors among the issues it may fix. It is not a general undo tool for every registry edit. See Microsoft’s Startup Repair instructions.

Use System Restore from WinRE if a suitable point exists

If Startup Repair does not resolve the boot problem, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore when that option and a suitable restore point are available. Select a point from before the registry change and review the proposed restoration before proceeding. System Restore’s effects are described above.

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An encrypted device may ask for its BitLocker recovery key before you can use WinRE recovery options. Have that key ready. Microsoft also advises backing up important files before recovery because some options can cause data loss; a Recovery Drive does not include personal files. See Microsoft’s recovery options guidance and backup, restore, and recovery information.

How the recovery choices differ

Option What you need What it changes
Import a .reg export Windows must start, and you must have a saved export of the relevant key or subkey. Only the registry data in that export.
System Restore Access to Windows or WinRE and a suitable restore point. System files, registry settings, and installed programs; personal files are not affected, according to Microsoft.
Startup Repair Access to WinRE. Attempts to repair some startup problems, including registry errors; it does not promise to reverse every registry edit.
Reset or reinstall Windows Access to the applicable Windows recovery or installation process; back up important files first. Effects depend on the option selected. Keeping personal files does not mean every app, setting, or registry configuration is preserved.
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Escalate only if the less disruptive options fail

If importing the correct export, System Restore, and relevant WinRE tools do not resolve the problem, consider Reset this PC or reinstalling Windows using Microsoft’s current instructions for your Windows version. These are more disruptive paths, and their effect on files, apps, and settings depends on the choice you make. Back up important files first and review Microsoft’s recovery options before proceeding.

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