Microsoft PowerToys: Registry Preview tool is coming next

Martin Brinkmann
Mar 30, 2023
Windows software
|
3

Microsoft plans to add a Registry Preview tool to its open source PowerToys collection. The intent to integrate the tool into PowerToys was revealed earlier this week on the project's GitHub repository.

PowerToys has grown to a large collection of tools for Windows devices. The latest release version supports 18 different tools, including this month's additions Paste unformatted text and Mouse Jump. Shaun described all the different PowerToys apps in December 2022. It is still a good overview, but the newer tools are not included in the overview.

Registry Preview

Registry preview

Registry Preview is a helper tool for Windows administrators who import Registry files, files with the .reg extension, into the Registry.

Currently, administrators need to open the file in a plain text editor or other tool to preview it. Once done, they may double-click on the Registry file to import its data into the Windows Registry.

Previewing requires a bit of knowledge of how the Registry and .reg files work. The Registry Preview tool acts as an intermediary. Administrators may open Registry files using the tool to preview it. This new app offers several advantages over auditing or editing Registry files in text editors.

First and foremost, Registry Preview displays the content of the Registry file as well as the Registry keys and values that it contains. The overview that it provides is more accessible, especially for larger Registry files that contain dozens or hundreds of lines.

The new PowerToys application supports the editing of the Registry files from its interface. A click on "edit file" unlocks the option. Any changes made to the file are displayed as previews directly in the interface. It is a useful feature, as it acts as a safeguard to make sure that the syntax is correct and the changes would be added the Windows Registry correctly.

The Registry Preview tool supports a few additional options. It may write content directly to the Windows Registry or open the Registry Editor. Opening the Registry Editor may be useful to verify current settings, or create a backup of the Registry before importing any data into it. Changes may also be saved to Registry files.

Microsoft's new tool lacks options to create a backup automatically, or a System Restore point, which does include Registry data.

It is not clear yet when the new tool will be launched as a preview release, but it can't be long before that is happening. Work has been ongoing since February 2023.

Now You: any particular tool that you would like to see included in PowerToys? (via Neowin)

Summary
Microsoft PowerToys: Registry Preview tool is coming next
Article Name
Microsoft PowerToys: Registry Preview tool is coming next
Description
Microsoft plans to add a Registry Preview tool to its open source PowerToys collection, to preview Registry files before importing them.
Author
Publisher
Ghacks Technology News
Logo
Advertisement

Tutorials & Tips


Previous Post: «
Next Post: «

Comments

  1. jan said on March 30, 2023 at 2:31 pm
    Reply

    I use NIRSOFT. Nothing to install. Just a few clicks. I do not like the MS SW.

    1. Anonymous said on March 30, 2023 at 11:03 pm
      Reply

      I agree nirsoft and sysinternals much better than this powertoys nonsense.

  2. John G. said on March 30, 2023 at 12:04 pm
    Reply

    Powertoys should be merged inside Windows and mostly all the packages should be installed separately. It’s nonsense to install all the packages together just to use only tool, due to the waste of space and innecesary configuration (i.e. disabling the non required ones). Thanks for the article!

Leave a Reply

Check the box to consent to your data being stored in line with the guidelines set out in our privacy policy

We love comments and welcome thoughtful and civilized discussion. Rudeness and personal attacks will not be tolerated. Please stay on-topic.
Please note that your comment may not appear immediately after you post it.