REG File Extension
Registry Format
- File Type reg
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Windows Registry Editor
- Category Text Files, System Files, Blocked Email Attachment Files, Configuration Files
- Format Text
What is a REG file?
The REG file extension is linked to Registry Format and belongs to the categories of Text Files, System Files, Blocked Email Attachment Files and Configuration Files, which include 842 files.
The Registry Format (REG) was developed by Microsoft, which created file format and 242 programs to work with them.
REG files are compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux. To open a REG file, you can choose from 23 programs such as Windows Registry Editor, Windows Notepad and Sublime Text.
File Signature
HEX code: 52 45 47 45 44 49 54. ASCII code: REGEDIT.
Programs that support REG files
Windows
Windows Registry Editor
Windows Notepad
Registry Workshop- RegAlyzer
- Ryll Registry Editor
- Reg Organizer
Notepad++- RegmagiK Registry Editor
- Advanced Regedit
Sublime Text- Registrar Registry Manager
- WinASO Registry Optimizer
RegistryBooster- Registry First Aid
- Wise Registry Cleaner Professional
- Windows Registry Recovery
Microsoft Windows- Advanced Registry Care
- Registry Mechanic
- Smart Registry Cleaner
- Aiseesoft Registry Optimizer
- Free Registry Defrag
- Eusing Free Registry Cleaner
Mac OS
Linux
How to open a REG file?
If you cannot open a REG file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.
Windows Registry Editor, Windows Notepad and Sublime Text are recognized as the most popular software solutions for dealing with REG files. To install the most up-to-date edition of Windows Registry Editor, visit the official Microsoft website. You can download the build that works across all operating systems.
After completing the installation, REG files should be recognized by the system and linked to Windows Registry Editor.
Set Windows Registry Editor as the default REG application
Setting a default program by file type in Windows
- Right click on your REG file, then select "Open with" and click "Choose another application";
- From the options listed in the pop-up window, specifically choose Windows Registry Editor as the application to handle your REG file;
- Be sure to check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK" to save your preference.
Change the default app that opens a file on Mac
- Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired REG file to open a menu where you can choose from multiple actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- In the lower section of the window, you’ll find the "Enable" menu, with "Recommended Programs" pre-selected as the default option;
- Select "All Programs" in this menu, and then search for Windows Registry Editor. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.
How to edit a REG file?
Editing REG files requires installing professional software that lets you open and edit text files. Online editors have more limitations compared to dedicated Registry Format programs.
List of Top REG editors 2026
Taking the above factors into account, we have selected a list of REG editors currently available.
| REG Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Regedit | Alexander Melkov | Windows | 4.9 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| Registry Workshop | TorchSoft | Windows | 4.9 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| RegmagiK Registry Editor | Boris Guzner | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| Windows Notepad | Microsoft | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (35 reviews) |
| Notepad++ | Notepad++ Team | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| Sublime Text | Sublime HQ Pty | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.6 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
| Windows Registry Editor | Microsoft | Windows | 4.5 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
| Ryll Registry Editor | Ryll System | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| RegAlyzer | Safer-Networking | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| Registrar Registry Manager | Resplendence | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
Troubleshooting guide for REG file complications
While REG files can sometimes present difficulties, most problems can be resolved quickly with minor software modifications. Check the tips below to help solve them.
Are there any techniques or tools available to repair a damaged REG file?
Open the corrupted REG file in RegistryBooster, Registry First Aid or Windows Registry Recovery and select the "Repair" menu item. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged text files.
How do I know if my REG file is corrupted?
Corrupted REG text files may show the following signs:
- Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
- Editing the archive in Windows Registry Editor is accompanied by slow performance or delays;
- Opening the file in Windows Registry Editor or other programs causes them to hang or crash;
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the REG file;
- Error messages appear while working with the file;
What factors contribute to Windows Registry Editor crash?
The likely cause of Windows Registry Editor crashing is lack of software updates. Install the latest updates available for Microsoft products.
Restarting your computer is a crucial troubleshooting measure that can alleviate numerous common problems. Therefore, it is advisable to restart your computer before modifying any settings related to the software.