The most common mistake when trying to restore from a RegBack folder is attempting to do it while Windows is running. Because the active registry hives in the C:\Windows\System32\config folder are constantly in use, you will always get an "Access Denied" error. The only correct way to do this is from outside your main Windows installation.
Boot into the via a bootable USB or by crashing the boot process three times. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt .
You run the command as an administrator. You try to copy the files manually. You attempt to use reg save . But nothing happens. The copy fails, the files are zero bytes, or the folder is mysteriously empty. regback copy not working
Starting with Windows 10 (Version 1803) and continuing through Windows 11, Microsoft intentionally changed the way the operating system handles automatic registry backups.
| Misconception | Reality | |---------------|---------| | “Copying RegBack files works like any other file” | No — registry hives are locked by lsass.exe and kernel; direct copy fails. | | “RegBack always contains recent backups” | On modern Windows, disabled by default unless manually enabled. | | “I can just restore by overwriting config folder” | Must be done offline (WinRE) — otherwise in-use files cause restore failure. | The most common mistake when trying to restore
What appears on your screen when the computer fails to boot?
Ensure System Protection is turned on for your C: drive in the System Properties panel. Boot into the via a bootable USB or
[Insert name of person or team assigned to resolve the issue]
: By default, Windows no longer populates the RegBack folder to reduce the overall disk footprint of the operating system.