REGLNK File – What is .reglnk file and how to open it?

File Extension and Purpose

A REGLNK file is a Registry Editor Shortcut File, utilized to create shortcuts to specific keys and values within the Windows Registry. These files make it convenient for users to quickly access and modify registry settings without having to manually navigate the complex registry hierarchy. REGLNK files are commonly used by system administrators, IT professionals, and advanced users who frequently access the registry for troubleshooting, configuration, or customization purposes.

File Structure and Usage

REGLNK files are small text files that contain a specific format. They typically include the following information:

• A header indicating that the file is a REGLNK file
• The version number of the REGLNK file format
• The path to the registry key or value being linked
• Optional additional parameters, such as a description or a hotkey

To use a REGLNK file, users simply double-click on it to launch the Registry Editor. The editor will automatically navigate to the specified registry key or value, allowing for easy access and modification. REGLNK files can also be created manually using a text editor, but it is important to follow the correct file format to ensure proper functionality.

Understanding REGLNK Files

A REGLNK file, also known as a Registry Editor Shortcut File, is a special type of file created by the Windows Registry Editor. It contains a shortcut to a specific location within the registry, allowing users to quickly access and edit registry keys and values. REGLNK files play a crucial role in streamlining the process of making changes to the Windows registry, which is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings for both the operating system and installed applications.

Opening REGLNK Files

The primary way to open REGLNK files is through the Registry Editor. When you double-click on a REGLNK file, it will automatically launch the Registry Editor and navigate to the specified location within the registry. From there, you can view, edit, or delete registry keys and values as needed. Additionally, there are third-party software applications that support the opening of REGLNK files. These applications typically provide a graphical user interface that can make it easier to manage and edit the registry, especially for users who are not familiar with the Registry Editor’s interface.

Registry Editor Shortcut File (.REGLNK)

A Registry Editor Shortcut File (.REGLNK) is a type of file that contains a shortcut to a specific location within the Windows Registry. These files are typically created by the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) when a user saves a shortcut to a particular key or value in the Registry.

REGLNK files are plain text files that contain the path to the target key or value in the Registry. They can be opened and edited with any text editor, such as Notepad. The format of a REGLNK file is as follows:


[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"Name"="Path"


In the above example, the REGLNK file contains a shortcut to the “Name” key in the “Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run” key in the HKCU hive. The “Path” value is the path to the executable file that is launched when the “Name” key is double-clicked.

REGLNK files can be useful for quickly accessing frequently used Registry keys or values. They can also be used to create shortcuts to Registry entries that are not easily accessible through the Registry Editor interface.

Additional Information

REGLNK files are not supported by all versions of Windows. They were first introduced in Windows 98 and are still supported in Windows 10. However, they are not supported in Windows NT 4.0 or earlier.

REGLNK files can be created by any program that can access the Windows Registry. However, they are most commonly created by the Registry Editor.

REGLNK files are a convenient way to quickly access frequently used Registry keys or values. They can also be used to create shortcuts to Registry entries that are not easily accessible through the Registry Editor interface.

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