Regback Copy Not Working [top] Jun 2026

This can increase disk usage and boot time on systems with slow drives. Microsoft removed it for a reason.

copy C:\shadowcopy\Windows\System32\config\RegBack\* C:\Windows\System32\config\

Instead of creating backups, Windows populates the folder with dummy files of . regback copy not working

Inside those snapshot directories, locate the registry hives (often prefixed with _REGISTRY_MACHINE_ ).

The OS kernel is not running when you are in WinRE. The files are not locked, so standard copy commands work perfectly. This can increase disk usage and boot time

If the RegBack folder is empty and none of the command-line repairs work, your registry hives are likely permanently destroyed. Your best option to save the computer without erasing your personal data is a system reset. Go back to on the Advanced Startup screen. Click Reset this PC . Select Keep my files . Choose Local reinstall or Cloud download .

Microsoft disabled the automatic RegBack feature to reduce the overall disk footprint of Windows. Inside those snapshot directories, locate the registry hives

Because you cannot rely on the empty RegBack folder, you must use alternative recovery methods to restore your system registry or fix the underlying boot loop. Try these solutions in order. Solution 1: Use System Restore via Command Prompt