The Windows 98/Windows Me registry supports both static data (which is stored on disk in the registry) and dynamic data (which changes frequently, such as performance statistics). This dynamic data area is the mechanism that allows Virtual Device Drivers (VxDs) to provide real-time data to Win32 applications that can run remotely as well as locally. It also allows the system monitor to provide performance statistics on remote Windows 98/Windows Me systems.

VxDs are not limited to performance data. They can provide any data they want to pass from Ring 0 to Ring 3 efficiently without monopolizing the CPU. The registry supports dynamic data by storing a pointer to a function that returns a value (or many values). When a Registry call queries values associated with a dynamic key, that function is called to return the desired value or values.