Searching for tips online on how to change something on Windows often results in articles instructing you to edit the registry. While Regedit or the Registry Editor helps make changes to the registry files, Microsoft by default locks out the capabilities of launching multiple instances of the editor. This post will guide you on how to run multiple instances of Regedit on a computer running Windows 11/10.
How to Run Multiple Instances of Regedit in Windows 11/10
Make sure to take a backup of the registry, and do not make any changes unless you know what you’re getting into action with.
- Using the Run Dialog
- Permanently Changing the URI
Windows Registry seems intimidating at first glance. There are settings here that are not available in other places on Windows. Make sure to change carefully, and always create a system restore point or a system backup.
1] Using the Run Dialog
One of the most efficient ways to enable multiple Registry Editor support instances (if you’d want this to be a one-time thing) is to use the Run Dialog box. Here’s how you can go around with it.
- Start by pulling up the Run Dialog by either pressing the Win + R key on your keyboard as a shortcut or searching for the same in the Start Search Box.
- Type in Regedit /m or Regedit -m in the address bar and press Enter on your keyboard.
- This will bring up a single new instance of the Registry Editor. All you need to do next is repeat the same process to run multiple instances.
2] Permanently Changing the URI
If you’re a power user and need to run multiple instances of regedit regularly, this method might suit you. This involves adding the same /m or -m to Registry Editor’s URI. Here’s how you can change the URI.
- In the Start Search Box, key in Regedit, right-click the best match, and choose Open File Location.
- This will navigate you to the Windows Administrative Tools Now, right-click on the Registry Editor’s shortcut, and choose Properties from the drop-down.
- Next, change the Target from %windir%\regedit.exe to either %windir%\regedit.exe /m or %windir%\regedit.exe -m under the Shortcut tab.
- Finally, choose Apply and then click on OK.
With this, the Registry Editor will now support running multiple instances. The next time you double-click on the icon multiple times, you’ll notice multiple windows popping up.
What is the Windows Registry Editor or regedit.exe?
In Microsoft Windows, the Registry stores a wide range of configuration settings. Windows stores almost all of its configuration settings here. It includes entries such as what should happen when a specific file type is double-clicked or what should be the width of the taskbar.
Similarly, when a driver is installed on the computer, the hardware information is stored in the registry, and this driver is called up every time the system boots up. The Windows Registry Editor (also known as regedit), as the name suggests, helps you make changes to the Registry files and entries.
How to Reset the Registry on a PC running Windows?
Well, there’s only a single way that can help you reset the Registry to its default configuration, and that is resetting your PC to its factory settings. Read how to reset your Windows 11 PC and reset your Windows 10 PC. Make sure to take a backup of all the important files.
Can we run the Registry Editor via CMD? How to run regedit from the Command Prompt?
Yes, users can bring up regedit using a command prompt window. Type in regedit in the command line and press Enter to perform the action.
Every time I open Regedit, it immediately closes.
First, make sure to scan your PC to rule out the presence of malware or ransomware. Some viruses are targeted such that they kill specific programs as soon as they are launched.
Done that, boot the computer in safe mode, and check if the issue persists. If it works fine, you may want to System restore your PC to a stable date.
That said, do let us know whether and why you prefer accessing multiple instances of a Registry Editor window by dropping a comment down below.