If you use Windows 11 and want to make changes in the Registry Editor, here’s a simple tip to help you switch between two important parts called HKCU and HKLM.

The Registry Editor is a tool in Windows that lets you see and change settings that control how your computer and apps work.

Inside the Registry Editor, you will find “hives” — big folders of settings. Two common ones are:

• HKCU (HKEY_CURRENT_USER): This holds settings just for the user who is logged in right now.
• HKLM (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE): This holds settings that apply to the whole computer, for all users.

Sometimes you need to check or change a setting in both places. Luckily, Windows lets you quickly jump between the same spot in HKCU and HKLM if that key exists in both.

Steps to Switch Between HKCU and HKLM Keys Using “Go to” Command

1. Open Registry Editor by typing regedit in the Start menu search and pressing Enter.
2. Navigate to a key under HKCU or HKLM that you want to check.
3. Right-click on the key (folder) in the left panel.
4. Look for the option “Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE” if you are in HKCU, or “Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER” if you are in HKLM, and click it.
5. The Registry Editor will instantly open the same key in the other hive, if it exists there.

This saves you time from manually browsing through the Registry tree.

You can do the same from HKLM back to HKCU:

Note: This shortcut only works if the key exists in both HKCU and HKLM. If it doesn’t, the option won’t appear.

Summary

• The Registry Editor helps you manage important Windows settings.
• HKCU is for user-specific settings; HKLM is for computer-wide settings.
• You can quickly jump between the same keys in HKCU and HKLM using the “Go to” command.
• Be careful when editing the Registry — wrong changes can cause problems with Windows.

For more beginner-friendly tips on using the Registry Editor, check out this helpful guide.