---
title: "Clean boot for gaming: moving every startup program aside in one step"
description: "Programs start with Windows through the Run keys in the registry and shortcuts in the Startup folder. What it changes, when it hurts, and how to undo it."
url: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/clean-startup-programs
author: Frost LIVE, Founder of Frozen Tweaks
published: 2026-10-08
updated: 2026-10-08
category: "Windows"
source: Frozen Tweaks (https://frozentweaks.com)
---

# Clean boot for gaming: moving every startup program aside in one step

**Short answer:** Programs start with Windows through the Run keys in the registry and shortcuts in the Startup folder. This tweak moves your user's Run entries and Startup shortcuts to a backup location, so nothing starts on its own, and puts them all back when you switch it off.

## In the app

- Switch: Purge User AutoStart (Run + Startup) (Windows, Pro, Advanced)
- Undo: Yes. Switching it off moves your Run entries and Startup folder files back to where they were.
- Catalog row: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks#t-1113

## What it does

Programs start with Windows through the Run keys in the registry and shortcuts in the Startup folder. This tweak moves your user's Run entries and Startup shortcuts to a backup location, so nothing starts on its own, and puts them all back when you switch it off.

In the app the switch is called "Purge User AutoStart (Run + Startup)", described there as: Moves your Run entries and Startup folder shortcuts aside for a clean boot; switching it off puts them back.

## When it helps

- Finding out whether a background program is behind stutter or slow boots, and starting sessions with as little running as possible.

## When it hurts

- Everything stops starting with Windows, including things you want: Discord, RGB and peripheral software, cloud sync, game launchers.
- Entries that install for all users or run as services are not affected.

## What it writes

Read from the app's source. "Switching it off" is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.

This tweak has no fixed list of registry values: it works through a driver's own settings, scheduled tasks or values that differ from PC to PC. The app reads what your PC has and changes only that.

## How to undo it

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks.

## Verdict

Best used as a test. The Startup tab in the app lets you switch off single entries instead.

## Questions

### Is "Purge User AutoStart (Run + Startup)" safe to switch on?

Best used as a test. The Startup tab in the app lets you switch off single entries instead. The main cost: Everything stops starting with Windows, including things you want: Discord, RGB and peripheral software, cloud sync, game launchers.

### How do I undo it?

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off moves your Run entries and Startup folder files back to where they were.

### Is "Purge User AutoStart (Run + Startup)" free in Frozen Tweaks?

It is part of Frozen Pro and Elite. You can also make the change by hand with the values on this page.

## Related guides

- [How to Fix Stuttering and Frame Drops: Diagnose Before You Tweak](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/fix-stuttering-frame-drops)
- [Low-End PC Gaming Optimization: Getting Playable Frame Rates](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/low-end-pc-gaming-optimization)

## More tweak explainers

- [StartupDelayInMSec](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/startup-delay)
- [Driver updates through Windows Update](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/stop-windows-update-installing-drivers)
- [Sticky Keys popup](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-sticky-keys-popup)

---
Written by Frost LIVE, founder of Frozen Tweaks. Canonical version: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/clean-startup-programs