---
title: CleanStart — Keyboard Launcher for Windows & Steam
description: CleanStart is a fast keyboard launcher for Windows apps and Steam games. Press your hotkey, then a number—without patching Start or Explorer.
canonical: https://cleanstart.1822.ca/
---
Zero configuration required

# Two keys & you're back in.

Press a hotkey, then a number, and play your game.

[See the shortcut flow](https://cleanstart.1822.ca/#how-it-works)

## Less clicking, more playing.

CleanStart automatically creates hotkeys to your most recently played Steam games. So getting back in is only a key press away.

### Steam

`Hotkey + 1–9` → `Play`

Launch a recent Steam game. No searching. No shortcut setup.

### Apps

`Hotkey` → `type` → `Enter`

Type a few letters to launch apps, settings, and folders without digging through Start.

## Usable for more than just Steam games.

A compact Windows launcher for apps, settings, folders, and actions. Type, Enter, gone.

## No Steam login necessary.

CleanStart reads the Steam files already on your PC. It never needs your credentials, uploads your library, or changes Steam files.

## A few straight answers.

### Does CleanStart modify Windows?

No. It runs alongside Windows without patching Explorer, the taskbar, or Start.

### Do I need to sign in to Steam?

No. Steam discovery uses local installation data and does not require Steam credentials or the Steam Web API.

### Where do I get CleanStart?

CleanStart’s public acquisition path is Steam. The store page is coming soon.

## But wait, there's more.

CleanStart is highly configurable, with options for your activation hotkey and launch behaviour.