How to Fix Broken Registry Items in Windows 11

The Windows Registry is a crucial system component best left unaltered. But the registry grows bigger and older with time and can have a lot of broken or corrupt items. Oftentimes, some registry entries remain even after you uninstall a program on your system.

Broken registry items can lead to system errors and hamper your system’s normal functioning. But don’t worry! We will explain the importance of the Windows Registry and list out multiple methods to fix the issue and avoid them in the future.

What Is the Windows Registry?

The Windows Registry stores the necessary configuration settings which a Windows system component or a program needs to run properly. Tweaking enthusiasts can tinker with registry entries and even create new ones to modify the behavior of a program. You can activate hidden Windows 11 themes by altering the registry values.

However, the Windows Registry isn’t impervious to errors. These errors can arise due to malware infestations, unexpected power failures, and corrupt or outdated entries.

How to Fix Broken Registry Items in Windows 11

Try out the following methods to fix the broken registry items on your Windows 11 system:

1. Use the Disk Cleanup Tool

Rather than installing a third-party cleanup tool, try the Windows Disk Cleanup utility. It is an old yet trustworthy utility included with every copy of Windows OS. You can use it to clear system clutter which also clears registry associations of some apps. Repeat the following steps:

1. Press Win + R to launch the Run command box. Type cleanmgr in the text input box and press the enter key.
2. Disk Cleanup tool will launch. Select the C drive and click on the OK button.
3. Navigate down and click on the Clean up system files button.

4. The Disk Cleanup tool will launch again. Keep the Drive selection as OS (C:) and click on the OK button.
5. Wait for the utility to scan the system. Then, click on the OK button.
6. Disk Cleanup will reconfirm your decision. Click on the Delete files button.

2. Try the Automatic Repair Tool

Microsoft offers an automatic repair tool that can fix system boot issues and even core system registry files. Here’s how to use the tool:

1. Press Win + L to sign out of Windows. Click on the power icon in the bottom-right corner.
2. Then, press and hold the Shift key and click on the Restart option.
3. Windows will restart and boot to the Windows Recovery options page. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
4. On the Advanced options page, select the Startup Repair option.

5. The utility will begin diagnosing your system and attempt repairs. After that, restart your system.

3. Run an SFC Scan

SFC is an inbuilt windows utility that can scan your system for corrupt or missing system files. It will then replace all the corrupt or missing files with a fresh copy. Here’s how you can scan your system with SFC:

1. Press Win + R to launch the Run command box. In the text input box, type cmd and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter at once.
2. A command prompt window will launch with administrator privileges.
3. Now, type sfc /scannow and press enter to execute the command.

4. Patiently wait for the utility to scan and replace files on your system.
5. Close the command prompt window and restart your computer.

4. Try a DISM Scan

DISM is also a command line tool, but it can scan and repair Windows System Image files. The utility can work in both online and offline modes. Repeat the following steps to run a DISM scan:

1. Press Win + S to launch Windows search. Search for CMD, and select the Run as administrator option from the right pane.
2. Once CMD launches with elevated permissions, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command and press the enter key.

3. Wait for the tools to scan and repair the problems with the system image.
4. Finally, close the command prompt and restart your PC.

5. Import an Old Registry Backup

If you have a habit of creating registry backups on Windows, it could solve the broken registry items issue with your system. When you encounter issues, you can import the old registry backup when the system was working fine.

Here’s how you can import an old backup in Windows Registry:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box. Then, enter regedit in the text box and press the Enter key to launch the registry editor.
2. Go to the top bar in the Registry Editor window and click on File > Import.

3. Navigate to the registry backup file location on your system. Select the registry file and click on the Open button to begin importing the file.
4. Wait for a few minutes for the import to complete. Restart your system.

6. Check for Malware on Your System

Malware can create and modify the registry items, and can even break or corrupt existing registry entries. You must perform a thorough scan of your Windows computer using Windows defender.

Here’s how to do a complete system scan using Windows Defender:

1. Open the Start menu and search Windows Security.
2. Click on the relevant search result to launch the app.
3. Navigate to Virus and threat protection > Scan options.
4. Select the Full Scan radio button and then click on the Scan Now button.
5. Windows Security will execute a deep scan of all the files on your disk. If it finds any traces of malware, manually remove them from your system.

7. Do a System Restore

The System Restore tool saves all Windows system files and drivers including the registry contents. If none of the above methods work, you can revert to a last known good system configuration using a restore point.

Repeat the following steps to perform a system restore:

1. Press Win + R to launch the Run command box. Type rstrui into the text box and press the Enter key.
2. System Restore utility will launch on your system. Click on the Next button to continue.
3. You will see a list of all the available restore points created by program installations or Windows updates.
4. Select the most recent restore point from the list and then click on the Scan for affected programs button. Note down these programs or take a screenshot because you will have to reinstall them again.

5. Click on the Close button. In the System Restore window click on the Next button.
6. Confirm your restore point selection and click on the Finish button.
7. Your system will restart automatically to apply the restore point. It will then automatically boot to the desktop.

8. Reset Your PC

If System Restore fails to do the trick, you are left with the last arrow in your troubleshooting quiver: performing a factory reset on Windows. It will wipe all the drivers and programs and revert the system to a clean state. However, you can save your files and documents if you pick the Keep my files option while resetting your Windows 11 computer.

Keep Your Registry Safe From Corruption

If your Windows Registry has seen better days, start by running disk cleanup and SFC and DISM scans. Then scan your system for malware infestation and import an old registry backup (if you have one). Lastly, leverage the system restore utility or reset your Windows PC.