HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SideBySide explained?

Question

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SideBySide explained?

gaolei 221

Hi Heroes,

May I know the function of the following reg key:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SideBySide]

I have googled it few hrs but still dont get the answer, thanks in advance!!!

Jenny Feng 14,246 Reputation points

2021-03-10T07:57:24.373+00:00

Hi,

Just checking in to see if the information provided was helpful.

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Jenny Feng 14,246 Reputation points

2021-03-10T07:57:24.373+00:00

Hi,

Just checking in to see if the information provided was helpful.

If the reply helped you, please remember to accept as answer.
If no, please reply and tell us the current situation in order to provide further help.

Answer 1

abbodi86 4,036

SideBySide registry is part of the component base servicing store (aka WinSxS folder)

i would not recommend going that way, but...
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/askcore/whats-new-in-windows-servicing-part-1
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/askcore/whats-new-in-windows-servicing-reduction-of-windows-footprint-part-2
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/askcore/whats-new-in-windows-servicing-service-stack-improvements-part-3

Answer 2

Jenny Feng 14,246

@gaolei
Hi,
Based on my research, this means Windows Manifest Search Rules Note:

When searching for a win32 side-by-side manifest Windows chooses embedded manifest over any external manifests (*.manifest files). This behaviour can be controlled by a registry setting. To change manifest priority edit the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SideBySide

For your reference:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions//aa376307(v=vs.85)?redirectedfrom=MSDN

Hope above information can help you.

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gaolei 221 Reputation points

2021-03-04T03:22:04.183+00:00

Hi Jenny,
Thanks, btw sorry I should mention that the original issue was related to a windows 10 update issue... one more question, what's the function of the SideBySide\Winners? I'm troubleshooting a windows update issue that some of the updates were not able to be detected, googled it and someone mentioned this reg key, checked and found the mentioned reg key SidebySide was blank, which is not normal and should have a sub reg key named Winners exist. what does it do? thanks again.

Answer 3

Jenny Feng 14,246

@gaolei
Hi,
It sounds like your update problem is related with the registry issue.
If the Registry keys are missing, I suggest to do an in-place upgrade wherein it will upgrade the device to the latest version and repair all issues without deleting any files.
Before doing this make sure to create a restore point:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-a-system-restore-point-77e02e2a-3298-c869-9974-ef5658ea3be9
Then to download the entire ISO for Windows 10, use the Windows Media Creation tool to create a USB boot drive, and do an upgrade from it:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

gaolei 221 Reputation points

2021-03-06T11:50:10.17+00:00

Thanks but as I commented... can you let me know the function of the HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SideBySide\Winners reg key?
btw it would be best if there has an comprehensive article can cover this... but looks like I didnt/cannt find it.
Jenny Feng 14,246 Reputation points

2021-03-08T07:47:53.72+00:00

Hi,
Based on my research, the following maybe useful:
http://spench.net/drupal/resources/winsxs
Please note: Information posted in the given link is hosted by a third party. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy and effectiveness of information.
GrandyC 1 Reputation point

2022-07-04T05:57:46.317+00:00

I'm also missing the /sidebyside/winners branch in my registry. I'm trying to follow your advice above, but when I try to run the installer for the Windows 10 media creation tool, I get the same "side-by-side configuration is incorrect" error that started me down this path in the first place. Is there maybe a reg file out there somewhere somewhere that would restore those keys to the registry without having to do a full Windows 10 reinstall? Thanks.

Answer 4

gaolei 221

thanks both. got it sorted now...

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HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SideBySide explained?

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