How to use the command "reg flags" (with examples)

The “reg flags” command allows users to display or set flags on registry keys in Windows. Flags represent specific settings or attributes for the registry key. This command can be used to view the current flags for a key, set flags for a key, or set flags for a key and its subkeys.

Use case 1: Display current flags for a specific key

Code:

reg flags key_name query

Motivation: This use case is useful when you need to check the current flags set for a specific registry key. It provides valuable information about the configuration of the key.

Explanation:

• “key_name”: Replace this with the path of the registry key for which you want to display the flags.

Example output:

Flags for key_name:
    Flag1
    Flag2
    Flag3

Use case 2: Display help and available flag types

Code:

reg flags /?

Motivation: When starting to use a new command, it is always helpful to have access to its documentation and learn about its available options. This use case displays the help information for the “reg flags” command and provides details about the available flag types.

Explanation:

• “/?”: This argument displays the help information for the “reg flags” command.

Example output:

Displays or sets flags on registry keys.

REG FLAGS key_name query
    Displays current flags for a specific key.

REG FLAGS /?
    Displays help and available flag types.

REG FLAGS key_name set flag_names
    Sets specified space-separated flags, and unset unmentioned flags, for a specific key.

REG FLAGS key_name set flag_names /s
    Sets specified flags for a specific key and its subkeys.

More information: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/reg-flags

Use case 3: Set specified space-separated flags for a specific key

Code:

reg flags key_name set flag_names

Motivation: This use case allows users to set specific flags for a particular registry key. It is useful when you want to modify the attributes or settings associated with a key.

Explanation:

• “key_name”: Replace this with the path of the registry key for which you want to set the flags.
• “flag_names”: Specify the flags that you want to set for the key. Separate multiple flags with spaces.

Example output:

The specified flags have been set successfully for key_name.

Use case 4: Set specified flags for a specific key and its subkeys

Code:

reg flags key_name set flag_names /s

Motivation: When you want to set flags for a registry key and all its subkeys, this use case can be handy. It saves time and effort by setting the flags recursively.

Explanation:

• “key_name”: Replace this with the path of the registry key for which you want to set the flags.
• “flag_names”: Specify the flags that you want to set for the key. Separate multiple flags with spaces.
• “/s”: This argument tells the command to set the specified flags for the key and its subkeys.

Example output:

The specified flags have been set successfully for key_name and its subkeys.

Conclusion:

The “reg flags” command is a versatile tool for managing registry keys in Windows. It allows users to view and modify flags for specific keys, either individually or recursively for subkeys. Using this command can help to ensure that the registry is properly configured and optimize system performance.