Here's what happens when you change every registry value in Windows 10 to zero — technically, the OS still boots up

Ever wonder what would happen if you set every registry value in Windows 10 to 0? YouTuber Come on Windows had that question and posted a video showcasing the process to their YouTube channel three days ago. The video has no narration but text subtitles and a soundtrack of questionable taste if you'd like to watch it for yourself.

So, what did Come on Windows discover about Windows 10 once all of its registry values are set to 0? Well, most things don't function properly anymore, or if they do, they show highly inaccurate readings or other oddities. It shouldn't surprise those familiar with the Registry used by all Windows operating systems. Registry tweaks are generally considered for enthusiast tweaking and diagnostic fixes only since they're much more involved than a more straightforward settings change elsewhere in Windows.

To be more specific, let's start with the most significant flaw introduced by setting every Registry value to 0. Windows is no longer capable of running .exe files, or indeed most applications by extension, even most built-in UWP applications. Even Safe Mode Without Networking has more functionality than doing this.

In addition to not being able to run anything, Windows components that do things like share system specifications with you also no longer work properly. Ever wanted to use a 00th Gen Intel CPU? Well, the Intel Core i7-00800H isn't available anywhere on the market yet—and we would know—but if you're willing to change the right registry values, you, too, can have an impossible CPU. It just won't run anything you want it to.

Technically, it's not all doom and gloom with everything set to 0 on Windows 10. For example, Paint and WordPad still seem to work! Microsoft Edge even launches for its opening tutorial but crashes before any actual web pages can be opened.

Honestly, I'm just surprised Windows 10 can boot or operate under these conditions at all. Forget "the indomitable human spirit"— we need to discuss the indomitable Windows 10 OS. Not even Windows 11 can beat it! Yet, anyway.