How to fix broken registry items on windows 10?

Question

My antivirus software (AVG) is displaying that I have 237 issues with broken registry items. Is there any Microsoft tool to scan and resolve registry issues?

Answer 1

Hi Saad. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 9 year Windows MVP and Independent Advisor, here to help you.

No expert in Forums where we see the most cases (by the thousands) recommends Avast, AVG. Norton or McAfee, but we have solved many problems over the years by having them uninstalled.

I would uninstall any 3rd party antivirus and try running only built-in Defender which gives adequate protection, least issues, and is from Microsoft who knows how to protect their OS best.

If you want the best on-demand scanner install and run a full scan with Malwarebytes free scanner: https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/

You can turn off the free trial at any time in the app's Settings > Accounts.

Afterwards check if any System files are broken by running System File Checker from https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-use-sfc-scannow.... If it won't repair them within three separate attempts, run a Repair Install which reinstalls WIndows while keeping your files, programs and most settings in place, by installing the Media Creation Tool, open the tool and choose Upgrade This PC Now. This will solve most problems and also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

Antivirus programs should stick to what they are designed to do: detecting and removing malware. AVG does a pretty good job doing that, despite what self-proclaimed experts think.

Unfortunately, many antivirus programs come with additional features totally unrelated to removing malware. You should ignore those additional features, as they are usually not part of the developers' core expertise.

In particular, you should definitely avoid any so-called registry cleaner. This type of useless software was debunked years ago, but it's still being offered to unsuspecting users. A Windows registry doesn't need 'cleaning' and there is no generally accepted agreement about what constitutes an 'issue' in the registry.

Worst of all, this kind of software can do irreversible damage to your computer. Ignore those 237 'broken' registry items - they are meaningless.

About your other question: Do you really think you'll get objective opinions about third-party antivirus programs in a community forum sponsored by Microsoft? Not likely. There's nothing wrong with Windows Defender, but don't choose it just because it comes from Microsoft ... the same Microsoft responsible for disastrous updates to Windows.

Instead, choose whatever you want to use based on independent testing by professionals. There are lots of organizations that do this. If you wish, I can show you how to find some of these on the internet. It's really up to you - not my place to tell you what you should do.

Answer 3

Here are two independent sources of information on antivirus programs. There are more, but these two are widely known, and even someone like me can figure out what they're saying. 😄

The Best Antivirus Protection for 2019 - from PCMagazine. Neil Rubenking has been a go-to for antivirus testing for many years.

The best antivirus software for Windows Home User - from AVTest, which is an international testing organization for antivirus programs

One more thing to keep in mind: As you'll see from the above, many antivirus programs do a good job of protecting computers - including Windows Defender. Some are a little better, some a little worse. 

Your choice may come down to which program is easiest to use, or has the best-looking interface, or has the best support.

Answer 4

Defender is an antivirus software which is perfectly adequate and from Microsoft who know how to protect their operating system best. All others will interfere and the ones I listed are the worst at that.

The tool I gave you for on-demand scanning is the most respected malware scanner in the world, Malwarebytes. It is not a registry cleaner and I do not recommend one. If it finds an infection it will remove it from the registry.

The System File Checker is how Windows finds and repairs broken System files.

Answer 5

I read what you wrote, and my question was to rely on Defender without any antivirus software? also, you mentioned to use couple of tools to scan and fix issues with the registry, but they are not Microsoft tools. Isn't there any similar tools by Microsoft to do this scan and fix or this is done by reinstalling windows only?