Yes, some Windows Registry keys are protected from user access. The Windows Registry is a database of settings and configuration data for all software and hardware installed on a computer running Microsoft Windows operating systems. It stores information about the user’s preferences, installed applications, and operating system settings.
By default, most of the registry keys are accessible to all users. Users can access registry keys to make changes to the settings and configurations in their computer. The keys can also be used to control the security of their system and software that is installed.
However, some registry keys are not intended to be modified or accessed by ordinary users. These keys are often referred to as “protected” keys. Protected keys are usually related to core operating system components, such as the Windows kernel and device drivers. Accessing these keys can potentially cause irreversible damage to the system if done improperly.
Windows uses several different methods to protect registry keys from user access. The most common method is to restrict access to them by applying certain permissions. For example, some registry keys may be set to read-only, which prevents users from making any changes to them. Other registry keys may only be accessible to administrators, which means that only users with administrator privileges can view or modify them.
The second method used to protect registry keys is to hide them, so that they cannot be seen in the registry editor. Windows will also block some registry tools from accessing certain keys, preventing users from gaining access to them.
Overall, some Windows registry keys are protected from user access to maintain the security of the system, and to prevent users from making unintentional changes that could lead to errors or instability. Modifying protected keys can cause significant damage to a computer, so it is important for users to understand which keys are protected before attempting to modify them.