C# Reading the registry and Wow6432Node key

Question

Hi all,

I have come code that reads the registry and looks for a value in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\App\ but when running on 64bit versions of Windows the value is under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\App. How should I best approach this? Do I need a 64bit installer or should I rewrite my code to detect both places?

Thanks

Answer 1

Here's a Microsoft article on Registry Reflection which might help.

Answer 2

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.