ADDITIONAL SYSTEM INFORMATION :
Win10 (1803)
  Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.17134.345]
Win7SP1 (64 bit)
  Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601]

java version "1.8.0_192"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_192-b12)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.192-b12, mixed mode)

A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM :
When uninstalling Java 8u192 if it is the last (only) installed JRE on the system, it removes the HKCU/Software/JavaSoft registry keys and its children, including Prefs
It seems the same issue as reported in JDK-8196481, which was set to: Not an Issue.
But the issue/removal still occurs (fully reproducible on several systems) with version 8u192.


STEPS TO FOLLOW TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM :
Make sure no JRE's and JDK's are installed.
Now install (off-line):
jre-8u192-windows-x64.exe

Run a java program that stores one or more entries in Javasoft/Prefs
Use regedit to see if these entries were created in below Prefs:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\JavaSoft\Prefs

Now uninstall (from control panel) the 8u192 jre. After uninstallation completes
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\JavaSoft
is no longer present.

This is reproducible with 8u192, 8u161.
Version 8u152 does not remove JavaSoft when uninstalled.


EXPECTED VERSUS ACTUAL BEHAVIOR :
EXPECTED -
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\JavaSoft\Prefs
and children still there after uninstall of the jre.
ACTUAL -
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\JavaSoft
and everything below removed

CUSTOMER SUBMITTED WORKAROUND :
Install (new) jre before uninstalling the old one.
-or-
Leave one (old) jre installed on the system.
-or-
Export JavaSoft/Prefs before uninstalling, restore .REG after installing new jre.

FREQUENCY : always