Regback Copy Not Working Jun 2026

If you're experiencing issues with RegBack copy not working, try the following troubleshooting steps:

The reason the "RegBack" copy appears to be not working is that starting with Windows 10, version 1803. While the \Windows\System32\config\RegBack folder still exists, the registry hive files within it (DEFAULT, SAM, SECURITY, SOFTWARE, and SYSTEM) typically show as 0 KB in size, making them useless for system recovery. Why the Change Happened

The empty RegBack folder is the expected behavior on modern Windows versions. Do not rely on the old RegBack folder for disaster recovery. Instead, use reg save manually, enable System Restore, or use VSS-aware backup software. regback copy not working

If you are trying to use the standard copy command from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and finding it ineffective, here is how to address the issue. 1. Re-enable Automatic Backups

Whether you have access to and a USB flash drive to build a clean installation media. Share public link If you're experiencing issues with RegBack copy not

Are you attempting to recover a right now because of a 3rd-party software update or driver conflict?

Right-click an empty space in the right pane, select , and click DWORD (32-bit) Value . Name the new value exactly: EnablePeriodicalBackup Do not rely on the old RegBack folder for disaster recovery

| Mistake | Why It Failed | Working Solution | |--------|--------------|------------------| | Trying to copy from live C:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack | Files are 0 KB (placeholders) after Windows 10 1803+ / Server 2016+ | Use a Volume Shadow Copy from before the corruption | | Assuming the old method still works | Microsoft changed registry backup behavior to use VSS | Enable "RegBack full backup" via Group Policy if you want the old behavior: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Filesystem > "Allow registry backups to RegBack folder" | | Not testing backups regularly | Trusting a feature without verification | Automate weekly registry backup checks using PowerShell |

Windows now relies on System Restore points and automated backups rather than the legacy RegBack folder. Step 1: Verify the RegBack File Sizes

Because these files contain no data, using the standard copy *.* .. command in Recovery Environment (WinRE) does absolutely nothing to fix a broken operating system. How to Re-enable Automatic RegBack for the Future