You, Too, Can Hack (Part 2)

The Windows Registry is a centralized, hierarchical database that stores low-level settings for the operating system, device drivers, services, user preferences, and installed applications. Instead of scattering configuration settings across dozens of individual files, Windows puts them all under one roof so the operating system and apps can read, write, and share settings swiftly and consistently.

Windows also includes a handy tool called the Registry Editor for browsing, searching, and editing the keys and values in the Registry. With the Registry Editor, you can make tweaks and custom changes that Windows itself doesn’t make explicitly available. You can also do irreparable harm to your computer if you don’t know what you’re doing, so use of the Registry Editor is at your own risk.

To reiterate, incorrect changes can destabilize or even brick your system. Always back up the specific registry section you intend to edit (right-click ? Export) or create a System Restore point for your computer before messing with the registry.

To access the Registry Editor, click in the Windows search bar and type “regedit”. Once you’re in, you can browse the different registry folders in the lefthand column just like you do with folders in Windows Explorer. However, instead of files in these folders, you’ll see the different key/value pairs representing all the various settings that the registry maintains. To edit any of these settings, simply right-click one and select “Modify”.

Now, if you’re feeling confident, the following are some neat things you can do. Note that most changes to the registry require you to either log out and in to your computer or restart your computer entirely before they take effect.

Show Full Path in Explorer’s Title Bar

By default, Windows Explorer only shows the current folder name you’re looking at. To have it reveal the complete path instead, browse to the following location in the registry:

• HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState

Then either add or edit the following value:

• FullPath ? (DWORD) = 1

Speed Up Menus, Tooltips & Animations

You can shave off the default delays so Windows menus and tooltips open up instantly. The registry location is here:

• HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop

The values to add/edit are:

• MenuShowDelay ? (STRING) = "0"

• MinAnimate ? (STRING) = "0"

• TooltipAnimation ? (STRING) = "1"

Sign out/in for lightning-fast UI responses.

Remove OneDrive from Windows Explorer

If you never use Microsoft OneDrive, you can disable it completely and reclaim the space it uses in the sidebar in Explorer. The registry path:

• HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\OneDrive

And the value to add/edit:

• DisableFileSync ? (DWORD) = 1

Reboot your computer and you should notice that OneDrive has disappeared from Explorer’s navigation pane.

Force Dark or Light Mode System-Wide

You can enforce both system UI (taskbar, notifications) and apps to use a single light or dark theme as you prefer. The registry location:

• HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize

And the values:

• SystemUsesLightTheme ? (DWORD): 0=dark UI, 1=light UI

• AppsUseLightTheme ? (DWORD): 0=dark apps, 1=light apps

Restart Explorer or sign out/in to enforce your chosen mode.