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c#registry64-bitwow64

Reading the registry and Wow6432Node key


I have some code that reads the registry and looks for a value in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\App\ but when running on 64-bit versions of Windows the value is under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\App\.

How should I best approach this? Do I need a 64-bit installer or should I rewrite my code to detect both places?


Solution

  • If you mark you C# program as x86 (and not Any CPU) then it will see HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\App as HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\App\.

    A .NET program for Any CPU will run as a 64-bit process if 64-bit .NET is installed. The 32-bit registry is under the Wow6432Node for 64-bit programs.