REGDWORD

REG_DWORD is a data type used in the Microsoft Windows Registry to store 32-bit unsigned integer values. It is commonly used to represent configuration flags, timers, counters, or other numeric settings within software and system components. In the registry, REG_DWORD values are stored as 4-byte little-endian integers.

The value range for REG_DWORD is from 0 to 4294967295 (0x00000000 to 0xFFFFFFFF). While the value is unsigned, some applications interpret the number as signed, so care should be taken when interpreting certain values.

Editing and formatting: REG_DWORD values can be entered in decimal or hexadecimal form when editing via Regedit or through APIs. Most programming interfaces expose the value as a 32-bit integer. When reading, the value is returned as a 32-bit unsigned integer; when writing, the input must fit within 32 bits.

Usage: REG_DWORD is commonly used for toggles (0 for disabled, non-zero for enabled) and for numeric configuration parameters such as timeouts or limits. The meaningful interpretation of non-zero values is application-specific.

Access and examples: In Windows API, the value is read or written using RegQueryValueEx and RegSetValueEx with the type REG_DWORD. In PowerShell, commands such as Set-ItemProperty can specify -Type DWord. In .NET languages, RegistryValueKind.DWord represents this type.

Related types: Other registry data types include REG_SZ (string), REG_EXPAND_SZ (expandable string), REG_MULTI_SZ (multiple strings), and REG_QWORD (64-bit integer). REG_QWORD serves a similar purpose for 64-bit values.

Caveats: Editing registry values should be done with caution, as incorrect changes can affect software behavior or system stability. Always backup relevant keys before modification.