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To connect to another Windows computer’s registry, open Registry Editor on your PC and select File > Connect Network Registry. Enter the target computer’s name and confirm. The target must be reachable, its Remote Registry service must be running, and your account must be authorized to access the relevant registry paths.

Connect to a remote registry

The same general Registry Editor workflow applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10. Microsoft documents the menu sequence and the computer-name check; it does not specify a different procedure for either version. See Microsoft’s remote registry troubleshooting guidance.

  1. On the computer you are using, open Start, type regedit, and run Registry Editor.

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  2. Select File > Connect Network Registry.

  3. In the computer selection dialog, enter the target computer’s name. Use Check Names if that option is available, then confirm.

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  4. Browse the available remote registry roots, such as HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE or HKEY_USERS, and make only the authorized change you intend to make.

  5. When finished, close the remote connection. Back up the affected key or registry state before changing values.

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What must be in place for the connection to work

Remote Registry service

The Remote Registry service must be running on the target computer. Microsoft documents its default startup configuration as manual, so the service may not already be running. An authorized administrator can check or start it in the Services console, subject to organizational policy. Microsoft’s RegConnectRegistryW documentation states that the service must be running on the remote computer.

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Network reachability and name resolution

The target must be on and reachable, and the computer name you enter must resolve on the network. Routing and firewall rules must permit the connection. Microsoft mentions TCP 135 or 445 in guidance for an Azure virtual machine scenario; that is specific to that context, not a universal port prescription for every network. See Microsoft’s Azure VM remote registry troubleshooting guidance.

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Authorization and registry-path access

Your account needs access to the target and to the registry data you want to view or change. Registry access control lists and policy for remotely accessible registry paths can restrict what is exposed. Being able to use another remote-management feature does not, by itself, prove that your account can connect to or edit the remote registry. Microsoft explains the role of the Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM policy in limiting remote registry access.

Which registry roots can you browse?

Windows’ remote registry API defines these predefined remote roots: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, HKEY_PERFORMANCE_DATA, and HKEY_USERS. Their availability does not grant unrestricted access to every key beneath them; permissions and remotely accessible-path policy still apply. The list is documented in Microsoft’s predefined keys reference.

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Troubleshoot a failed connection

Work through these checks in order, and change service or firewall settings only if you are authorized and the organization’s policy permits it.

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  • Confirm the target is online and reachable. Check that it is powered on and that your PC can reach it over the relevant network.

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  • Check the name. Verify the computer name and use Check Names where available. If the name does not resolve, correct the name or use an appropriate address allowed by your network.

  • Check the service on the target. Confirm that Remote Registry is running. Its default startup configuration is manual, so a stopped service can explain a failed connection.

  • Verify credentials and permissions. Make sure the account is authorized on the target and has access to the requested registry paths. Domain or workgroup security policy can affect authentication.

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  • Check network and policy restrictions. Local or intervening firewall rules, routing, and policy may block the traffic or deny access to particular paths. Do not open ports based solely on guidance for a different environment.

Protect the target before editing

The registry contains sensitive configuration. Limit remote access to authorized administrators and the paths they need. Before changing a value, back up the affected key or registry state; an incorrect edit can cause system problems. Microsoft describes access controls and path restrictions in its remote registry policy guidance.

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