The Registry editor on Windows 10 gets a new address bar to make navigation easier. Although it’s not wise to modify the Registry, as it’s the place where low-level and many app settings are stored, there will be times when you’ll need to modify the database to tweak the operating system or an app.
However, manually having to browse through the keys has always been a tedious process, even for advanced users, but now the Registry editor is getting a address bar that allows you to quickly copy and paste a path to jump right into the location.
The new address bar is available with the Creators Update for Windows 10, it appears at the top of the editor below the file menu, and it reads “Computers” by default, which indicates the root path.
When you’re trying to tweak a setting on Windows 10 (perhaps using a guide you found online), you can simply paste the path and press Enter to jump to the key.
Registry address bar shortcuts
Windows 10 also incorporates a few shortcuts to speed up your search. Instead of typing HKEY_Classes_Root, you can simply type HKCR. Here’s the list of the available shortcuts:
- HKEY_Classes_Root: HKCR
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER: HKCU
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE: HKLM
- HKEY_USERS: HKU
In addition, you can use CTRL + L or ALT + D keyboard shortcuts to set focus on the address bar and quickly get to a location.
While this is a minor feature, it’s a welcome addition that makes the Registry a little bit easier to use and it will actually save you some time as browsing those keys can be a little annoying.
Keep in mind that similar to the address bar in File Explorer, the bar in the Registry editor cannot be used to do keyword searches, you’ll still need to use the find feature (F3) to do that.
If you don’t see the new address bar in the Registry is probably because you’re not running the Windows 10 Creators Update. If you’re an Insider, you can use this feature starting build 14942 and later.
How often do you edit the Registry? Does this feature makes things a little easier? Tell us in the comments below.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].