How to Fix Error Accessing the Registry in Windows 11

Method 4: Turn Off Annoying Third-Party Software

If you still get the error accessing the registry after checking your .reg files, there may be third-party software interfering with the .reg file import process. You can try turning off suspicious third-party software, such as antivirus, firewall, or registry cleaners, while you import .reg files. Here are the steps:

1. Right-click on the third-party software icon on the taskbar and select the option to disable or exit the software. You can also open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc and end the process associated with that third-party software.
2. Try importing the .reg file again and see if the problem is resolved.
3. If yes, then you can re-enable that third-party software after you finish importing the .reg file. You can also look for settings or options that allow you to exclude .reg files from the inspection or protection of such third-party software.
4. If not, then you can try the next method.

Method 5: Run the System Scanner and System File Checker

If you still get the error accessing the registry after shutting down annoying third-party software, there may be a broader system issue causing this issue. You can try running a system scanner and system file checker to fix corrupted registry, virus, malware, or disk errors. Here are the steps:

1. Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).
2. In a PowerShell or Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

This will start a system file checker that will scan and repair corrupted or missing system files.

3. Wait for the process to complete and see if there is a message saying that the system file checker found and fixed the problem. If yes, then try importing the .reg file again and see if the problem is resolved.
4. If not, then type the following command and press Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This will start a system scanner that will scan and repair your Windows 11 image.

5. Wait for the process to complete and see if there is a message saying that the system scanner found and fixed the problem. If yes, then try importing the .reg file again and see if the problem is resolved.
6. If not, then you can try the next method.

Method 6: Perform System Restore or Reinstall Windows 11

If you still get the accessing the registry error after running the system scanner and system file checker, there may be no other solution than performing a system restore or reinstalling Windows 11. System Restore will restore your Windows 11 to a previous restore point, where you haven’t experienced this issue. Reinstalling Windows 11 will erase all your data and settings and reinstall Windows 11 from scratch. These two methods are the last steps you should take if all other methods fail. Here are the steps:

• To perform a System Restore, follow these steps:
  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Click System and select Recovery on the left.
  3. Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
  4. Select Keep my files or Remove everything, depending on your preference.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the system restore process.
• To perform a reinstallation of Windows 11, follow these steps:
  1. Download the Media Creation Tool tool from Microsoft’s website here.
  2. Run the tool and select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.
  3. Select your desired Windows 11 language, edition, and architecture and click Next.
  4. Select the USB flash drive or ISO file, depending on the installation media you want, and click Next.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to create Windows 11 installation media.
  6. Once the installation media is ready, insert or connect it to your PC and restart your PC.
  7. Press any key to boot from the installation media and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows 11.