Moving Startup Entries from HKLM to HKCU using Autoruns64.exe

Moving Startup Entries from HKLM to HKCU using Autoruns64.exe

If you are experiencing slow boot times or want to optimize your computer's startup process, managing startup entries is a crucial step. Startup entries are programs or services that automatically launch when you start your computer. By default, these entries are stored in the HKLM (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE) registry hive, which contains settings for all users on the computer. However, sometimes it is more efficient to move specific startup entries to the HKCU (HKEY_CURRENT_USER) registry hive, which contains settings specific to the currently logged-in user. In this article, we will guide you on how to move startup entries from HKLM to HKCU using Autoruns64.exe, a powerful tool for managing startup items.

What is Autoruns64.exe?

Autoruns64.exe is a utility developed by Microsoft Sysinternals that allows you to view and manage all the programs and services configured to run during system bootup or login. It provides a comprehensive list of startup entries, including those stored in the HKLM registry hive.

Why Move Startup Entries from HKLM to HKCU?

Moving startup entries from HKLM to HKCU can offer several benefits:

• Improved Performance: By moving unnecessary startup entries to HKCU, you can reduce the number of programs that load during system startup, resulting in faster boot times.
• Personalization: Some startup entries may be specific to individual users, such as personal preferences or customizations. Moving them to HKCU ensures that they only load for the relevant user, providing a more personalized experience.
• Simplified Management: By separating startup entries between HKLM and HKCU, it becomes easier to manage and troubleshoot specific user-related issues without affecting other users on the computer.

Steps to Move Startup Entries using Autoruns64.exe

Follow these steps to move startup entries from HKLM to HKCU using Autoruns64.exe:

1. Download and install Autoruns64.exe from the official Microsoft Sysinternals website.
2. Launch Autoruns64.exe by double-clicking on the downloaded file.
3. Wait for Autoruns64.exe to scan and populate the list of startup entries.
4. In the Autoruns64.exe window, navigate to the "Logon" tab. This tab displays startup entries for all users.
5. Identify the startup entry you want to move from HKLM to HKCU. You can use the "Publisher" or "Image Path" columns to identify specific entries.
6. Right-click on the desired startup entry and select "Jump to Entry." This action will open the relevant registry key in the Windows Registry Editor.
7. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" key. This key stores startup entries for the currently logged-in user.
8. Right-click on an empty area in the right pane and select "New" -> "String Value."
9. Provide a name for the new string value and press Enter.
10. Double-click on the newly created string value and enter the path or command for the startup entry you want to move. Make sure the path or command matches the one from the HKLM entry.
11. Click "OK" to save the changes.
12. Close the Registry Editor.
13. Repeat steps 5-12 for each startup entry you want to move.
14. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Conclusion

Managing startup entries is an important aspect of optimizing your computer's performance and personalizing your user experience. By moving startup entries from HKLM to HKCU using Autoruns64.exe, you can achieve faster boot times, tailor the startup process to individual users, and simplify troubleshooting. Remember to exercise caution when modifying the Windows Registry, as incorrect changes can cause system instability. Always create a backup of your registry or create a system restore point before making any changes.

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