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How to Fix Windows 11 Error: Failed to Load System Registry File Is Missing or Corrupt

If you have encountered the error message “Failed to load system registry file is missing or corrupt” on your Windows 11 PC, it means the operating system is unable to access critical registry files needed to start properly.

This issue can prevent Windows from booting, leaving you stuck on a black screen or recovery environment.

Fortunately, there are several ways to attempt fixing this problem, starting from simple steps to more advanced recovery methods.

This guide will walk you through each step in a clear and easy-to-understand way.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

  • Make sure your PC is fully powered off before starting any recovery process.
  • Have a Windows 11 installation USB or recovery drive ready if possible. This will be helpful for advanced repair steps.
  • Backing up important data is recommended if you can access it, as some fixes may risk data loss.
  • Be patient during these processes; some steps may take several minutes to complete.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, this error can be caused by a temporary glitch.

Simply restarting your PC might clear the problem.

  • Press the physical power button to turn off your PC.
  • Wait about 10 seconds to ensure the machine is fully off.
  • Press the power button again to turn it back on.

If the error persists, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Use Automatic Repair Tool

Windows 11 includes an automatic repair tool designed to fix startup problems like corrupted registry files.

  • Turn off your PC completely.
  • Turn it on and as soon as the Windows logo appears, press and hold the power button to force shutdown.
  • Repeat this process 2-3 times until you see the Preparing Automatic Repair screen.
  • Wait for the system to diagnose and repair issues automatically.

This tool attempts to fix common problems without needing manual intervention.

Step 3: Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers and services, which can help bypass issues caused by corrupted files.

  • From the Automatic Repair screen, select Advanced options.
  • Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
  • Click Restart.
  • After reboot, press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.

Once in Safe Mode, you can try running system scans or uninstalling recent updates that might have caused the issue.

Step 4: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Commands

Corrupted system files can cause registry errors.

SFC and DISM are built-in tools that scan and repair Windows system files.

  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator (you can do this from Safe Mode or Advanced options).
  • Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This command will check all protected system files and replace corrupted ones.

  • After it completes, type this command to repair Windows image:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wait until the process finishes, then restart your PC normally.

Step 5: Replace the Corrupted Registry Files Manually

If the above steps do not work, you can try restoring registry files from a backup.

Windows keeps a backup copy of the registry in the C:WindowsSystem32ConfigRegBack folder.

  • Boot your PC using a Windows 11 installation USB or recovery drive.
  • Choose Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.
  • Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

cd C:WindowsSystem32Config
ren DEFAULT DEFAULT.old
ren SAM SAM.old
ren SECURITY SECURITY.old
ren SOFTWARE SOFTWARE.old
ren SYSTEM SYSTEM.old
cd RegBack
copy * C:WindowsSystem32Config

This process renames the current (possibly corrupt) registry files and replaces them with backup copies.

After this, type exit and restart your PC.

Alternative Method: System Restore

If you have previously created a system restore point, you can revert your system settings to a point before the error appeared.

  • Boot into recovery mode and select Advanced options.
  • Click System Restore.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point and start the restoration process.

This method does not affect your personal files, but it will uninstall recent drivers and updates.

FAQs

What causes the “Failed to load system registry file” error?

This error typically happens due to corrupted or missing registry files, which can occur because of sudden shutdowns, disk errors, malware infections, or failed Windows updates.

Can I fix this error without a Windows installation USB?

Yes, if you can access the Automatic Repair environment or Safe Mode, you may fix the issue without external media. However, having a USB drive makes advanced repairs easier.

Will these repairs delete my personal files?

Most repair attempts, including SFC, DISM, and replacing registry backups, do not delete your personal files. However, it’s always safest to back up important data if possible.

What if the registry backup is also corrupted?

If the backup files in RegBack are missing or empty, restoring from them won’t help. In this case, consider reinstalling Windows or using recovery tools.

When Nothing Works

If none of the methods above resolve the issue, your best option may be to perform a clean installation of Windows 11.

Make sure to back up any important data using another PC or bootable media if possible.

You can download the official Windows 11 installation media from the Microsoft website.

If you need professional help, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support or a trusted computer technician.

Conclusion

The “Failed to load system registry file is missing or corrupt” error can be alarming, but following the steps above will help you troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue.

Start with simple restarts and automatic repair, then move on to Safe Mode and system file scans.

Manual registry restoration and system restore are effective advanced steps if the problem persists.

Always keep backups and installation media handy to ensure you can recover your system in worst-case scenarios.

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