| 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.
| 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. 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. windows registry keys list