What is the use of registry on a computer?

In a Windows-based computer, the system registry is a place designed for storing all of the settings within Windows and the applications. It is a collection of very important files that Windows needs to even boot. They store where everything is, all the settings, etc. Not all programs are compliant with the registry and may store their settings in private files. The registry was designed for getting away from all the settings file clutter and for having a common place for all settings for every application you use. Windows 3.1 used INI files, and while most versions of Windows will use them, the preferred place is the registry.