How to Turn On or Off Registry Editor Address Bar in Windows 10
System configuration information is stored centrally in a hierarchical database called the registry. You can use Registry Editor to add and edit registry keys and values, restore the registry from a backup or to default values, and to import or export keys for reference or backup.
For power users, Microsoft has added something special starting with Windows 10 build 14942 – Registry Editor (regedit.exe) now has an address bar. This enables you to easily see your current registry key path, and copy it if needed. You can also paste or type in paths, and pressing enter will take you to that location. You can use Alt + D to set focus to the address bar.
The new address bar in Registry Editor replaced the bottom status bar.
Starting with Windows 10 build 14965, Microsoft has incorporated two new features:
1. You can now use CTRL + L to set focus to the address bar – while it is already supported for ALT + D, Microsoft recognizes that some people prefer this keyboard shortcut instead, so now you have the option to use either one.
2. You can now use shorthand notation for HKEY names – you told Microsoft that when sharing registry paths you always use shorthand notation (HKCU) instead of typing out the full HKEY name (i.e. HKEY_CURRENT_USER), so Microsoft should support them in the address bar, and you know what? You can now just use “HKCR”, “HKCU”, “HKLM”, and “HKU” instead of typing or pasting the respective full name “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT”, “HKEY_CURRENT_USER”, “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE”, or “HKEY_USERS” into the address bar.
This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off showing the address bar in Registry Editor for your account in Windows 10.
EXAMPLE: Address bar in Registry Editor
Here's How:
1 While you have Registry Editor (regedit.exe) open, click/tap on View (Alt+V) on the menu bar, and click/tap on Address Bar to check (on) or uncheck (off) it for what you want.
That's it,
Shawn
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