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Windows System Utilities

Users debate built-in Windows features like Run dialog, Registry Editor, PowerToys, God Mode, and SysInternals tools as alternatives to third-party utilities such as NirSoft for system administration and quick access to settings.

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Top Contributors

userbinator (18) pjmlp (17) pjc50 (16) anthk (14) Jaruzel (13)

Keywords

NirSoft WSDAPI dasHost.exe explorer.exe HKCU CD ROM UDP SysInternals ProcessExplorer windows click registry exe menu shift ctrl taskbar windows windows windows xp

Sample Comments

shreyshnaccount • Jul 11, 2022 • View on HN

want there an option in windows XP to do this?

baud147258 • Jun 12, 2019 • View on HN

No need for third-party tools on Windows (at least in Windows 10)

mrgoldenbrown • Jul 13, 2024 • View on HN

So much of the nirsoft stuff seems like it should just exist standard in windows.

Saris • Aug 7, 2023 • View on HN

Hm. Looks like it's just giving you quick access to tools that already exist in windows.

dingaling • Jan 29, 2024 • View on HN

The Windows equivalent is "open regedit"

Rusky • Apr 20, 2014 • View on HN

Because Windows doesn't have cryptic regedit paths.

pennybanks • May 12, 2024 • View on HN

doesnt windows now have all the similar tools default?

babypuncher • Sep 25, 2023 • View on HN

Who still uses the Windows Registry in 2023?

fsckboy • Jun 25, 2023 • View on HN

don't give the systemd crowd any ideas, the Windows Registry is right up their alley

webtcp • Jan 4, 2026 • View on HN

the only sane tool remaining in windows is the RUN :( I wont even touch this shitty OS without RUN