How to Change the Registered Owner and Organization Name in Windows 11 Registry

The Default Branding in Windows 11

When you purchase a pre-built computer or install Windows 11 without providing a Microsoft account, the operating system assigns generic default values to the internal system registration. If you type winver (Windows Version) into your Start menu and hit enter, a dialog box will appear. Near the bottom, it typically reads: “This product is licensed under the Microsoft Software License Terms to: Windows User” or sometimes a generic manufacturer name like “HP” or “Dell”.

While this does not affect the performance of your machine, many system administrators and power users prefer to customize this branding. In a corporate environment, you might want it to display the actual company name and the specific employee the machine is assigned to. For personal users, it is simply a matter of personalization.

Because Microsoft does not provide a standard GUI setting to change this text, you must modify it directly within the Windows Registry.

Important Warning: Registry Editor

The Registry Editor is a powerful tool. Deleting or modifying the wrong keys can cause system instability or prevent Windows from booting entirely. Always follow instructions carefully and avoid changing values outside of the specific paths mentioned in this guide.

Step 1: Opening the Registry Editor

To access the system registry, you must have Administrator privileges on your Windows account.

1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Type regedit into the search bar.
3. Click on the Registry Editor app that appears in the search results (or press Enter).
4. A User Account Control (UAC) prompt will appear asking if you want to allow this app to make changes to your device. Click Yes.

Step 2: Navigating to the Correct Key

The Registry Editor looks similar to the File Explorer, with a hierarchy of folders (called “Keys”) on the left and values on the right.

You need to navigate to the specific key that stores the current version information. You can do this manually by expanding the folders on the left, or you can copy and paste the path directly into the address bar at the top of the window.

Navigate to this exact path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion

Step 3: Modifying the Registered Owner

Once you have selected the CurrentVersion key on the left, look at the list of values in the right-hand pane.

1. Scroll down until you find a string value named RegisteredOwner.
2. Double-click on RegisteredOwner.
3. A small “Edit String” window will appear.
4. In the Value data box, type the name you want to appear (e.g., “Jane Doe” or “IT Department”).
5. Click OK.

Note: If you do not see the RegisteredOwner value, you will need to create it. Right-click in the empty space on the right pane, select New > String Value, name it exactly RegisteredOwner, and then double-click it to set your desired text.

Step 4: Modifying the Registered Organization

Just below or near the RegisteredOwner value, you should see another string value named RegisteredOrganization.

1. Double-click on RegisteredOrganization.
2. In the Value data box, type your company name or any text you prefer (e.g., “Acme Corp” or “Personal Use”).
3. Click OK.

Note: Similarly, if this value does not exist, right-click, select New > String Value, name it RegisteredOrganization, and set the value.

Step 5: Verifying the Changes

You do not need to restart your computer for these changes to take effect.

1. Close the Registry Editor.
2. Open the Start menu, type winver, and press Enter.
3. The “About Windows” dialog box will now proudly display your custom Registered Owner and Organization text at the bottom of the window.