Moving Startup Entries from HKML to HKCU in Windows using Autoruns64.exe

When it comes to managing your computer's startup programs, it's important to understand how they work and where they are stored. In Windows, startup entries can be found in two different locations: HKML (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE) and HKCU (HKEY_CURRENT_USER). In this article, we will guide you through the process of moving startup entries from HKML to HKCU using Autoruns64.exe.

What are startup entries?

Startup entries are programs or scripts that are configured to run automatically when your computer starts up. These entries can be found in the Windows Registry, which is a database that stores configuration settings for your operating system and applications.

Understanding HKML and HKCU

The Windows Registry is organized into a hierarchical structure, with different sections or "hives" that store different types of settings. Two important hives for managing startup entries are HKML and HKCU.

HKML (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE): This hive contains settings that apply to all users on the computer. Startup entries stored in HKML will run regardless of the user account that is logged in.

HKCU (HKEY_CURRENT_USER): This hive contains settings that are specific to the currently logged-in user. Startup entries stored in HKCU will only run when that particular user logs in.

Why move startup entries from HKML to HKCU?

There may be situations where you want certain programs or scripts to run only for specific user accounts. By moving the startup entries from HKML to HKCU, you can achieve this level of customization.

For example, let's say you have a startup entry for a productivity tool that you only want to run when you log in to your personal user account. By moving the entry to HKCU, the tool will no longer run for other users who log in to the computer.

Using Autoruns64.exe to move startup entries

Autoruns64.exe is a powerful tool developed by Microsoft that allows you to manage startup entries and other auto-starting locations on your Windows computer. Here's how you can use it to move startup entries from HKML to HKCU:

1. Download Autoruns64.exe from the official Microsoft website and save it to a location on your computer.
2. Launch Autoruns64.exe by double-clicking on the downloaded file.
3. Wait for Autoruns64.exe to scan and analyze the startup entries on your computer. This may take a few moments.
4. In the Autoruns64.exe window, click on the "Logon" tab. This tab displays all the startup entries that are configured to run when a user logs in.
5. Scroll through the list of entries and locate the one you want to move from HKML to HKCU.
6. Right-click on the entry and select "Jump to Entry" from the context menu. This will open the Windows Registry Editor.
7. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location:

8. Right-click on the entry in the Registry Editor and select "Export" from the context menu. Save the exported file to a location on your computer.

9. Now, navigate to the following location in the Registry Editor:

10. Right-click on an empty space in the right pane of the Registry Editor and select "Import" from the context menu. Choose the file you exported in step 8.

11. Close the Registry Editor and return to Autoruns64.exe.

12. Repeat steps 5 to 11 for any other startup entries you want to move from HKML to HKCU.

That's it! You have successfully moved the selected startup entries from HKML to HKCU using Autoruns64.exe.

Conclusion

Managing startup entries is an important aspect of maintaining your computer's performance and optimizing your user experience. By understanding the differences between HKML and HKCU and using tools like Autoruns64.exe, you can easily customize the startup programs that run on your Windows computer.

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