Phenquestions
Beginning with Windows Vista, Microsoft virtualized some files & the registry. Virtualization basically means that applications are prevented from writing to System Folders in the Windows file system and ALSO to the 'machine wide keys' in the Registry.
File & Registry Virtualization
Registry Virtualization basically means that applications are prevented from writing to System Folders in Windows 10/8/7/Vista file system and ALSO to the 'machine wide keys' in the registry. However, this does not prevent standard user accounts from installing or running applications.
In Windows 10/8/7/Vista, the UAC utilizes the Registry Virtualization Feature, to redirect attempts to write to subkeys of
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
When an application attempts to write to this hive, Windows instead, writes it, to a per-user location,
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\VirtualStore\Machine\Software
This is done discreetly. No one gets to know that this is happening!
This is, in short, Registry Virtualization, and it is a useful Security feature.
Additional reads:
- The Compatibility Files toolbar button & Files Virtualization
- De-Mystifying Windows Registry & Registry Virtualization.
