The command: "reg UNLOAD /?" is on Windows 12, 11, 10, .. , MS Server 2025, 2022, 2019, .. available
The examples for the command "reg UNLOAD /?"
Here are examples of the
`REG UNLOAD` command, this time in the context of unloading registry branches (keys) instead:
Example 1: Unloading a registry branch:
REG UNLOAD HKCU\TempKey
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`REG UNLOAD`: This command is used to unload a previously loaded registry branch.
-
`HKCU\TempKey`: The path to the registry branch to unload.
This example unloads the registry branch previously loaded with the
`REG LOAD` command with the path
"HKCU\TempKey". Once unloaded, changes can be made to the registry branch without having to restart the entire system.
Example 2: Unloading a registry branch with quotes in the path:
REG UNLOAD "HKLM\Software\Temp Key"
-
`REG UNLOAD`: The command to unload a previously loaded registry branch.
-
`"HKLM\Software\Temp Key"`: The path to the registry branch to unload, containing quotation marks.
Here the previously loaded registry branch with the path
"HKLM\Software\Temp Key" is unloaded. Using quotation marks allows paths containing spaces or special characters to be correctly processed.
Note that using
`REG UNLOAD` on registry branches is to unload them, not delete them. Deleting registry branches is usually done using the
`REG DELETE` command.
"reg UNLOAD /?" Excerpt from Microsoft Windows Help
Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19045.3693]
(c) Copyright 1985-2023 Microsoft Corp.
C:\\WINDOWS>
Console Registry Tool for Windows - version 3.0
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corp. 1981-2001. All rights reserved
REG UNLOAD KeyName
KeyName ROOTKEY\SubKey (local machine only)
ROOTKEY [ HKLM | HKU ]
SubKey The key name of the hive to unload
Examples:
REG UNLOAD HKLM\TempHive
Unloads the hive TempHive in HKLM
Important information, tips for the "reg UNLOAD /?" command
Yes, there are some important points to note when using the REG UNLOAD command:
1: Loaded registry branches:
- Make sure that the registry branch to be unloaded has been previously loaded using the `REG LOAD` command. Only loaded branches can be unloaded using `REG UNLOAD`.
2: Backup before changes:
- Before making changes to a registry branch and unloading it, you should create a backup. This allows for recovery in the event of unexpected problems.
3: Check permissions:
- Make sure that the user executing the `REG UNLOAD` command has the necessary permissions to unload the registry branch in question. Administrator rights are often required.
4: Check running processes:
- Make sure that no running processes or applications are accessing the registry branch being unloaded. Open handles can prevent unloading.
5: Path information and quotation marks:
- Use the correct path to the registry branch and use quotation marks if the path contains spaces or special characters.
6: Consistency of the registry structure:
- Check the consistency of the registry structure to ensure that unloading the branch does not have unexpected effects on other parts of the registry.
7: Avoid unnecessary unloading:
- Unload registry branches only when necessary. Unnecessary unloading can lead to unnecessary system interruptions.
As with all actions in the Windows registry, caution is advised here as changes to the registry can potentially have far-reaching effects on the system.
