What is the function of the Windows Registry Editor?

The Windows Registry Editor serves as a master database for configuration settings within the Windows operating system. It stores essential information regarding the configuration of the system, including settings for both the operating system and installed applications. This database is organized hierarchically, allowing for efficient management and retrieval of system and application settings.

The registry encompasses various keys and values that dictate how the system operates, enabling users and applications to read from and write to the registry to adjust settings. For instance, when a program is installed, it may create entries in the registry that specify how the application should behave, what resources it requires, or how it integrates with the operating system.

In contrast, the other options address different aspects of system management. Monitoring system performance pertains to tools and utilities that assess how efficiently the hardware and software are functioning. Removing unused files relates to maintenance practices aimed at clearing storage, while managing disk partitions involves organizing and allocating space on hard drives. None of these functions pertain directly to the central role of the Windows Registry Editor in storing and facilitating access to configuration settings.