FIX: Cannot create key error writing to the registry

In this tutorial, we will show you how to take ownership of protected registry keys in Windows so you can edit them.

The Windows registry is a hassle to add or edit under normal circumstances, but at times you will run into a Registry key or value that you don’t have permission to edit. When you try to import settings from a .reg file into a protected key or edit or add a protected registry key, you’ll run into a few different errors. When you try, you’ll get an error message saying “Cannot create key error writing to the registry: You do not have the requisite permission to create a new key.”

Cannot create key error writing to the registry
Cannot create key error writing to the registry: You do not have the requisite permission to create a new key

However, the Registry offers tools that allow you to edit permissions for or take ownership of keys. To do that, follow these steps below:

How to Fix Cannot create key error writing to the registry

1. Before you open the registry editor as admin, the first create a system restore point or backup your Windows registry (very Important).

2. Then, go to the registry key where you want to make the change.

3. Right-click on the registry key where you want to make the changes and select on Permissions.

4. Click Advanced on the Permissions dialog box.

5. If your user account isn’t the current Owner, click the Change link.

6. In the Enter the object name to select box, type your user name to select box and then click Check Names.

7. Your official user name is inserted into the Enter the object name to select box. Click OK.

Your name should display next to Owner.

If the current key has subkeys you want to take ownership of also, check the Replace owner on subcontainers and objects box. Then, click Apply and then OK.

8. Now again in the Permissions box, go to the Security tab, select your own Administrators account and then check the box under Full Control – Allow. Click Apply then click OK.

In this video, we are gonna show you how to gain full permissions to edit protected registry keys

That’s about it.