diff --git a/Source/Core/Core/Core.cpp b/Source/Core/Core/Core.cpp
index 422de26688..d70d9ff712 100644
--- a/Source/Core/Core/Core.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/Core/Core.cpp
@@ -98,11 +98,12 @@ static Common::Flag s_is_booting;
 static void* s_window_handle = nullptr;
 static std::string s_state_filename;
 static std::thread s_emu_thread;
-static StoppedCallbackFunc s_on_stopped_callback;
+static StateChangedCallbackFunc s_on_state_changed_callback;
 
 static std::thread s_cpu_thread;
 static bool s_request_refresh_info = false;
 static bool s_is_throttler_temp_disabled = false;
+static bool s_frame_step = false;
 
 struct HostJob
 {
@@ -454,14 +455,16 @@ static void EmuThread(std::unique_ptr<BootParameters> boot)
 {
   const SConfig& core_parameter = SConfig::GetInstance();
   s_is_booting.Set();
+  if (s_on_state_changed_callback)
+    s_on_state_changed_callback(State::Starting);
   Common::ScopeGuard flag_guard{[] {
     s_is_booting.Clear();
     s_is_started = false;
     s_is_stopping = false;
     s_wants_determinism = false;
 
-    if (s_on_stopped_callback)
-      s_on_stopped_callback();
+    if (s_on_state_changed_callback)
+      s_on_state_changed_callback(State::Uninitialized);
 
     INFO_LOG(CONSOLE, "Stop\t\t---- Shutdown complete ----");
   }};
@@ -473,6 +476,7 @@ static void EmuThread(std::unique_ptr<BootParameters> boot)
 
   // For a time this acts as the CPU thread...
   DeclareAsCPUThread();
+  s_frame_step = false;
 
   Movie::Init(*boot);
   Common::ScopeGuard movie_guard{Movie::Shutdown};
@@ -683,6 +687,9 @@ void SetState(State state)
     PanicAlert("Invalid state");
     break;
   }
+
+  if (s_on_state_changed_callback)
+    s_on_state_changed_callback(GetState());
 }
 
 State GetState()
@@ -698,6 +705,9 @@ State GetState()
     return State::Running;
   }
 
+  if (s_is_booting.IsSet())
+    return State::Starting;
+
   return State::Uninitialized;
 }
 
@@ -859,6 +869,14 @@ void Callback_VideoCopiedToXFB(bool video_update)
     s_drawn_frame++;
 
   Movie::FrameUpdate();
+
+  if (s_frame_step)
+  {
+    s_frame_step = false;
+    CPU::Break();
+    if (s_on_state_changed_callback)
+      s_on_state_changed_callback(Core::GetState());
+  }
 }
 
 void UpdateTitle()
@@ -951,9 +969,9 @@ void Shutdown()
   HostDispatchJobs();
 }
 
-void SetOnStoppedCallback(StoppedCallbackFunc callback)
+void SetOnStateChangedCallback(StateChangedCallbackFunc callback)
 {
-  s_on_stopped_callback = std::move(callback);
+  s_on_state_changed_callback = std::move(callback);
 }
 
 void UpdateWantDeterminism(bool initial)
@@ -1024,4 +1042,21 @@ void HostDispatchJobs()
   }
 }
 
+// NOTE: Host Thread
+void DoFrameStep()
+{
+  if (GetState() == State::Paused)
+  {
+    // if already paused, frame advance for 1 frame
+    s_frame_step = true;
+    RequestRefreshInfo();
+    SetState(State::Running);
+  }
+  else if (!s_frame_step)
+  {
+    // if not paused yet, pause immediately instead
+    SetState(State::Paused);
+  }
+}
+
 }  // Core
diff --git a/Source/Core/Core/Core.h b/Source/Core/Core/Core.h
index e604843a2c..4ed2570081 100644
--- a/Source/Core/Core/Core.h
+++ b/Source/Core/Core/Core.h
@@ -31,7 +31,8 @@ enum class State
   Uninitialized,
   Paused,
   Running,
-  Stopping
+  Stopping,
+  Starting,
 };
 
 bool Init(std::unique_ptr<BootParameters> boot);
@@ -84,8 +85,8 @@ void UpdateTitle();
 void RunAsCPUThread(std::function<void()> function);
 
 // for calling back into UI code without introducing a dependency on it in core
-using StoppedCallbackFunc = std::function<void()>;
-void SetOnStoppedCallback(StoppedCallbackFunc callback);
+using StateChangedCallbackFunc = std::function<void(Core::State)>;
+void SetOnStateChangedCallback(StateChangedCallbackFunc callback);
 
 // Run on the Host thread when the factors change. [NOT THREADSAFE]
 void UpdateWantDeterminism(bool initial = false);
@@ -105,4 +106,6 @@ void QueueHostJob(std::function<void()> job, bool run_during_stop = false);
 // WM_USER_JOB_DISPATCH will be sent when something is added to the queue.
 void HostDispatchJobs();
 
+void DoFrameStep();
+
 }  // namespace
diff --git a/Source/Core/Core/Movie.cpp b/Source/Core/Core/Movie.cpp
index b1d1e094a2..b9c6f9867d 100644
--- a/Source/Core/Core/Movie.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/Core/Movie.cpp
@@ -63,7 +63,6 @@
 
 namespace Movie
 {
-static bool s_bFrameStep = false;
 static bool s_bReadOnly = true;
 static u32 s_rerecords = 0;
 static PlayMode s_playMode = MODE_NONE;
@@ -192,11 +191,6 @@ void FrameUpdate()
     s_totalFrames = s_currentFrame;
     s_totalLagCount = s_currentLagCount;
   }
-  if (s_bFrameStep)
-  {
-    s_bFrameStep = false;
-    CPU::Break();
-  }
 
   s_bPolled = false;
 }
@@ -215,7 +209,6 @@ void Init(const BootParameters& boot)
     s_current_file_name.clear();
 
   s_bPolled = false;
-  s_bFrameStep = false;
   s_bSaveConfig = false;
   if (IsPlayingInput())
   {
@@ -274,23 +267,6 @@ void SetPolledDevice()
   s_bPolled = true;
 }
 
-// NOTE: Host Thread
-void DoFrameStep()
-{
-  if (Core::GetState() == Core::State::Paused)
-  {
-    // if already paused, frame advance for 1 frame
-    s_bFrameStep = true;
-    Core::RequestRefreshInfo();
-    Core::SetState(Core::State::Running);
-  }
-  else if (!s_bFrameStep)
-  {
-    // if not paused yet, pause immediately instead
-    Core::SetState(Core::State::Paused);
-  }
-}
-
 // NOTE: Host Thread
 void SetReadOnly(bool bEnabled)
 {
diff --git a/Source/Core/Core/Movie.h b/Source/Core/Core/Movie.h
index 08107f92c6..343790ccb3 100644
--- a/Source/Core/Core/Movie.h
+++ b/Source/Core/Core/Movie.h
@@ -148,7 +148,6 @@ bool IsUsingBongo(int controller);
 void ChangePads(bool instantly = false);
 void ChangeWiiPads(bool instantly = false);
 
-void DoFrameStep();
 void SetReadOnly(bool bEnabled);
 
 bool BeginRecordingInput(int controllers);
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinNoGUI/MainNoGUI.cpp b/Source/Core/DolphinNoGUI/MainNoGUI.cpp
index 37860057aa..ecd2d3ba88 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinNoGUI/MainNoGUI.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinNoGUI/MainNoGUI.cpp
@@ -392,7 +392,10 @@ int main(int argc, char* argv[])
   UICommon::SetUserDirectory(user_directory);
   UICommon::Init();
 
-  Core::SetOnStoppedCallback([]() { s_running.Clear(); });
+  Core::SetOnStateChangedCallback([](Core::State state) {
+    if (state == Core::State::Uninitialized)
+      s_running.Clear();
+  });
   platform->Init();
 
   // Shut down cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/ControllersWindow.cpp b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/ControllersWindow.cpp
index 59e422ba6c..ed8e08a91f 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/ControllersWindow.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/ControllersWindow.cpp
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@
 #include <map>
 
 #include "Core/ConfigManager.h"
+#include "Core/Core.h"
 #include "Core/HW/SI/SI.h"
 #include "Core/HW/Wiimote.h"
 #include "Core/HW/WiimoteReal/WiimoteReal.h"
@@ -238,6 +239,9 @@ void ControllersWindow::CreateMainLayout()
 
 void ControllersWindow::ConnectWidgets()
 {
+  connect(&Settings::Instance(), &Settings::EmulationStateChanged, this,
+          [=](Core::State state) { OnEmulationStateChanged(state != Core::State::Uninitialized); });
+
   connect(m_wiimote_passthrough, &QRadioButton::toggled, this,
           &ControllersWindow::OnWiimoteModeChanged);
 
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/ControllersWindow.h b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/ControllersWindow.h
index e8359596a9..171e44ca3c 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/ControllersWindow.h
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/ControllersWindow.h
@@ -25,9 +25,9 @@ class ControllersWindow final : public QDialog
   Q_OBJECT
 public:
   explicit ControllersWindow(QWidget* parent);
-  void OnEmulationStateChanged(bool running);
 
 private:
+  void OnEmulationStateChanged(bool running);
   void OnWiimoteModeChanged(bool passthrough);
   void OnWiimoteTypeChanged(int state);
   void OnGCTypeChanged(int state);
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/AdvancedWidget.cpp b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/AdvancedWidget.cpp
index 0033bbc085..6be05f7398 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/AdvancedWidget.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/AdvancedWidget.cpp
@@ -11,9 +11,11 @@
 
 #include "Core/Config/GraphicsSettings.h"
 #include "Core/ConfigManager.h"
+#include "Core/Core.h"
 #include "DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GraphicsBool.h"
 #include "DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GraphicsChoice.h"
 #include "DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GraphicsWindow.h"
+#include "DolphinQt2/Settings.h"
 #include "VideoCommon/VideoConfig.h"
 
 AdvancedWidget::AdvancedWidget(GraphicsWindow* parent) : GraphicsWidget(parent)
@@ -24,8 +26,8 @@ AdvancedWidget::AdvancedWidget(GraphicsWindow* parent) : GraphicsWidget(parent)
   AddDescriptions();
 
   connect(parent, &GraphicsWindow::BackendChanged, this, &AdvancedWidget::OnBackendChanged);
-  connect(parent, &GraphicsWindow::EmulationStarted, [this] { OnEmulationStateChanged(true); });
-  connect(parent, &GraphicsWindow::EmulationStopped, [this] { OnEmulationStateChanged(false); });
+  connect(&Settings::Instance(), &Settings::EmulationStateChanged, this,
+          [=](Core::State state) { OnEmulationStateChanged(state != Core::State::Uninitialized); });
 
   OnBackendChanged();
 }
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GeneralWidget.cpp b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GeneralWidget.cpp
index 3a6f81c2b2..f746b711bb 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GeneralWidget.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GeneralWidget.cpp
@@ -15,9 +15,11 @@
 
 #include "Core/Config/GraphicsSettings.h"
 #include "Core/ConfigManager.h"
+#include "Core/Core.h"
 #include "DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GraphicsBool.h"
 #include "DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GraphicsChoice.h"
 #include "DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GraphicsWindow.h"
+#include "DolphinQt2/Settings.h"
 #include "UICommon/VideoUtils.h"
 #include "VideoCommon/VideoBackendBase.h"
 #include "VideoCommon/VideoConfig.h"
@@ -32,8 +34,8 @@ GeneralWidget::GeneralWidget(X11Utils::XRRConfiguration* xrr_config, GraphicsWin
   emit BackendChanged(QString::fromStdString(SConfig::GetInstance().m_strVideoBackend));
 
   connect(parent, &GraphicsWindow::BackendChanged, this, &GeneralWidget::OnBackendChanged);
-  connect(parent, &GraphicsWindow::EmulationStarted, [this] { OnEmulationStateChanged(true); });
-  connect(parent, &GraphicsWindow::EmulationStopped, [this] { OnEmulationStateChanged(false); });
+  connect(&Settings::Instance(), &Settings::EmulationStateChanged, this,
+          [=](Core::State state) { OnEmulationStateChanged(state != Core::State::Uninitialized); });
 }
 
 void GeneralWidget::CreateWidgets()
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GraphicsWindow.cpp b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GraphicsWindow.cpp
index 7aca3d3087..55f0e03922 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GraphicsWindow.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GraphicsWindow.cpp
@@ -29,9 +29,6 @@ GraphicsWindow::GraphicsWindow(X11Utils::XRRConfiguration* xrr_config, MainWindo
   setWindowFlags(windowFlags() & ~Qt::WindowContextHelpButtonHint);
 
   OnBackendChanged(QString::fromStdString(SConfig::GetInstance().m_strVideoBackend));
-
-  connect(parent, &MainWindow::EmulationStarted, this, &GraphicsWindow::EmulationStarted);
-  connect(parent, &MainWindow::EmulationStopped, this, &GraphicsWindow::EmulationStopped);
 }
 
 void GraphicsWindow::CreateMainLayout()
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GraphicsWindow.h b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GraphicsWindow.h
index c78d8663fd..2874a4c2f0 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GraphicsWindow.h
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/Graphics/GraphicsWindow.h
@@ -33,8 +33,6 @@ public:
   bool eventFilter(QObject* object, QEvent* event) override;
 signals:
   void BackendChanged(const QString& backend);
-  void EmulationStarted();
-  void EmulationStopped();
 
 private:
   void CreateMainLayout();
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/SettingsWindow.cpp b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/SettingsWindow.cpp
index 4099af0cd4..0ac1fe5cc6 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/SettingsWindow.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/SettingsWindow.cpp
@@ -40,15 +40,9 @@ SettingsWindow::SettingsWindow(QWidget* parent) : QDialog(parent)
 
   AddTab(m_tabs, tr("General"), new GeneralPane(), "config");
   AddTab(m_tabs, tr("Interface"), new InterfacePane(), "browse");
-  auto* audio_pane = new AudioPane;
-  m_audio_pane_index = AddTab(m_tabs, tr("Audio"), audio_pane, "play");
+  m_audio_pane_index = AddTab(m_tabs, tr("Audio"), new AudioPane(), "play");
   AddTab(m_tabs, tr("Paths"), new PathPane(), "browse");
 
-  connect(this, &SettingsWindow::EmulationStarted,
-          [audio_pane] { audio_pane->OnEmulationStateChanged(true); });
-  connect(this, &SettingsWindow::EmulationStopped,
-          [audio_pane] { audio_pane->OnEmulationStateChanged(false); });
-
   // Dialog box buttons
   QDialogButtonBox* ok_box = new QDialogButtonBox(QDialogButtonBox::Ok);
   connect(ok_box, &QDialogButtonBox::accepted, this, &SettingsWindow::accept);
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/SettingsWindow.h b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/SettingsWindow.h
index 5733cb03da..f61b41bfe6 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/SettingsWindow.h
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Config/SettingsWindow.h
@@ -15,10 +15,6 @@ public:
   explicit SettingsWindow(QWidget* parent = nullptr);
   void SelectAudioPane();
 
-signals:
-  void EmulationStarted();
-  void EmulationStopped();
-
 private:
   ListTabWidget* m_tabs;
   int m_audio_pane_index = -1;
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/GameList/GameList.cpp b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/GameList/GameList.cpp
index 4f1d4fdb94..df4e9d161c 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/GameList/GameList.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/GameList/GameList.cpp
@@ -174,11 +174,8 @@ void GameList::ShowContextMenu(const QPoint&)
 
     QAction* change_disc = AddAction(menu, tr("Change &Disc"), this, &GameList::ChangeDisc);
 
-    connect(this, &GameList::EmulationStarted, change_disc,
-            [change_disc] { change_disc->setEnabled(true); });
-    connect(this, &GameList::EmulationStopped, change_disc,
-            [change_disc] { change_disc->setEnabled(false); });
-
+    connect(&Settings::Instance(), &Settings::EmulationStateChanged, change_disc,
+            [change_disc] { change_disc->setEnabled(Core::IsRunning()); });
     change_disc->setEnabled(Core::IsRunning());
 
     menu->addSeparator();
@@ -202,15 +199,13 @@ void GameList::ShowContextMenu(const QPoint&)
 
     for (QAction* a : {wad_install_action, wad_uninstall_action})
     {
-      connect(this, &GameList::EmulationStarted, a, [a] { a->setEnabled(false); });
       a->setEnabled(!Core::IsRunning());
       menu->addAction(a);
     }
 
-    connect(this, &GameList::EmulationStopped, wad_install_action,
-            [wad_install_action] { wad_install_action->setEnabled(true); });
-    connect(this, &GameList::EmulationStopped, wad_uninstall_action, [wad_uninstall_action, game] {
-      wad_uninstall_action->setEnabled(game->IsInstalled());
+    connect(&Settings::Instance(), &Settings::EmulationStateChanged, menu, [=](Core::State state) {
+      wad_install_action->setEnabled(state == Core::State::Uninitialized);
+      wad_uninstall_action->setEnabled(state == Core::State::Uninitialized && game->IsInstalled());
     });
 
     menu->addSeparator();
@@ -231,10 +226,9 @@ void GameList::ShowContextMenu(const QPoint&)
   connect(netplay_host, &QAction::triggered,
           [this, game] { emit NetPlayHost(game->GetUniqueID()); });
 
-  connect(this, &GameList::EmulationStarted, netplay_host,
-          [netplay_host] { netplay_host->setEnabled(false); });
-  connect(this, &GameList::EmulationStopped, netplay_host,
-          [netplay_host] { netplay_host->setEnabled(true); });
+  connect(&Settings::Instance(), &Settings::EmulationStateChanged, menu, [=](Core::State state) {
+    netplay_host->setEnabled(state == Core::State::Uninitialized);
+  });
   netplay_host->setEnabled(!Core::IsRunning());
 
   menu->addAction(netplay_host);
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/GameList/GameList.h b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/GameList/GameList.h
index 3121ef9c98..75103a42fd 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/GameList/GameList.h
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/GameList/GameList.h
@@ -29,8 +29,6 @@ public:
 
 signals:
   void GameSelected();
-  void EmulationStarted();
-  void EmulationStopped();
   void NetPlayHost(const QString& game_id);
   void SelectionChanged(QSharedPointer<GameFile> game_file);
 
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/MainWindow.cpp b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/MainWindow.cpp
index 96616fd3b2..a55b5b94b2 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/MainWindow.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/MainWindow.cpp
@@ -122,7 +122,10 @@ void MainWindow::ShutdownControllers()
 
 void MainWindow::InitCoreCallbacks()
 {
-  Core::SetOnStoppedCallback([this] { emit EmulationStopped(); });
+  connect(&Settings::Instance(), &Settings::EmulationStateChanged, this, [=](Core::State state) {
+    if (state == Core::State::Uninitialized)
+      OnStopComplete();
+  });
   installEventFilter(this);
   m_render_widget->installEventFilter(this);
 }
@@ -151,11 +154,6 @@ void MainWindow::CreateComponents()
   m_log_widget = new LogWidget(this);
   m_log_config_widget = new LogConfigWidget(this);
 
-  connect(this, &MainWindow::EmulationStarted, m_settings_window,
-          &SettingsWindow::EmulationStarted);
-  connect(this, &MainWindow::EmulationStopped, m_settings_window,
-          &SettingsWindow::EmulationStopped);
-
 #if defined(HAVE_XRANDR) && HAVE_XRANDR
   m_graphics_window = new GraphicsWindow(
       new X11Utils::XRRConfiguration(
@@ -232,17 +230,9 @@ void MainWindow::ConnectMenuBar()
 
   connect(m_menu_bar, &MenuBar::ShowAboutDialog, this, &MainWindow::ShowAboutDialog);
 
-  connect(this, &MainWindow::EmulationStarted, m_menu_bar, &MenuBar::EmulationStarted);
-  connect(this, &MainWindow::EmulationPaused, m_menu_bar, &MenuBar::EmulationPaused);
-  connect(this, &MainWindow::EmulationStopped, m_menu_bar, &MenuBar::EmulationStopped);
   connect(m_game_list, &GameList::SelectionChanged, m_menu_bar, &MenuBar::SelectionChanged);
   connect(this, &MainWindow::ReadOnlyModeChanged, m_menu_bar, &MenuBar::ReadOnlyModeChanged);
   connect(this, &MainWindow::RecordingStatusChanged, m_menu_bar, &MenuBar::RecordingStatusChanged);
-
-  connect(this, &MainWindow::EmulationStarted, this,
-          [=]() { m_controllers_window->OnEmulationStateChanged(true); });
-  connect(this, &MainWindow::EmulationStopped, this,
-          [=]() { m_controllers_window->OnEmulationStateChanged(false); });
 }
 
 void MainWindow::ConnectHotkeys()
@@ -283,20 +273,12 @@ void MainWindow::ConnectToolBar()
   connect(m_tool_bar, &ToolBar::SettingsPressed, this, &MainWindow::ShowSettingsWindow);
   connect(m_tool_bar, &ToolBar::ControllersPressed, this, &MainWindow::ShowControllersWindow);
   connect(m_tool_bar, &ToolBar::GraphicsPressed, this, &MainWindow::ShowGraphicsWindow);
-
-  connect(this, &MainWindow::EmulationStarted, m_tool_bar, &ToolBar::EmulationStarted);
-  connect(this, &MainWindow::EmulationPaused, m_tool_bar, &ToolBar::EmulationPaused);
-  connect(this, &MainWindow::EmulationStopped, m_tool_bar, &ToolBar::EmulationStopped);
-
-  connect(this, &MainWindow::EmulationStopped, this, &MainWindow::OnStopComplete);
 }
 
 void MainWindow::ConnectGameList()
 {
   connect(m_game_list, &GameList::GameSelected, this, &MainWindow::Play);
   connect(m_game_list, &GameList::NetPlayHost, this, &MainWindow::NetPlayHost);
-  connect(this, &MainWindow::EmulationStarted, m_game_list, &GameList::EmulationStarted);
-  connect(this, &MainWindow::EmulationStopped, m_game_list, &GameList::EmulationStopped);
 }
 
 void MainWindow::ConnectRenderWidget()
@@ -340,7 +322,6 @@ void MainWindow::Play()
   if (Core::GetState() == Core::State::Paused)
   {
     Core::SetState(Core::State::Running);
-    emit EmulationStarted();
   }
   else
   {
@@ -367,7 +348,6 @@ void MainWindow::Play()
 void MainWindow::Pause()
 {
   Core::SetState(Core::State::Paused);
-  emit EmulationPaused();
 }
 
 void MainWindow::OnStopComplete()
@@ -457,8 +437,7 @@ void MainWindow::Reset()
 
 void MainWindow::FrameAdvance()
 {
-  Movie::DoFrameStep();
-  EmulationPaused();
+  Core::DoFrameStep();
 }
 
 void MainWindow::FullScreen()
@@ -503,7 +482,6 @@ void MainWindow::StartGame(std::unique_ptr<BootParameters>&& parameters)
     return;
   }
   ShowRenderWidget();
-  emit EmulationStarted();
 
 #ifdef Q_OS_WIN
   // Prevents Windows from sleeping, turning off the display, or idling
@@ -680,7 +658,6 @@ void MainWindow::NetPlayInit()
           static_cast<void (MainWindow::*)(const QString&)>(&MainWindow::StartGame));
   connect(m_netplay_dialog, &NetPlayDialog::Stop, this, &MainWindow::RequestStop);
   connect(m_netplay_dialog, &NetPlayDialog::rejected, this, &MainWindow::NetPlayQuit);
-  connect(this, &MainWindow::EmulationStopped, m_netplay_dialog, &NetPlayDialog::EmulationStopped);
   connect(m_netplay_setup_dialog, &NetPlaySetupDialog::Join, this, &MainWindow::NetPlayJoin);
   connect(m_netplay_setup_dialog, &NetPlaySetupDialog::Host, this, &MainWindow::NetPlayHost);
 }
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/MainWindow.h b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/MainWindow.h
index a30c5699d5..84a2f04de6 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/MainWindow.h
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/MainWindow.h
@@ -41,9 +41,6 @@ public:
   bool eventFilter(QObject* object, QEvent* event) override;
 
 signals:
-  void EmulationStarted();
-  void EmulationPaused();
-  void EmulationStopped();
   void ReadOnlyModeChanged(bool read_only);
   void RecordingStatusChanged(bool recording);
 
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/MenuBar.cpp b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/MenuBar.cpp
index 8e8d45e182..6fb6cc79a5 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/MenuBar.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/MenuBar.cpp
@@ -38,64 +38,42 @@ MenuBar::MenuBar(QWidget* parent) : QMenuBar(parent)
   AddViewMenu();
   AddHelpMenu();
 
-  EmulationStopped();
+  connect(&Settings::Instance(), &Settings::EmulationStateChanged, this,
+          [=](Core::State state) { OnEmulationStateChanged(state); });
+  OnEmulationStateChanged(Core::GetState());
 
   connect(this, &MenuBar::SelectionChanged, this, &MenuBar::OnSelectionChanged);
   connect(this, &MenuBar::RecordingStatusChanged, this, &MenuBar::OnRecordingStatusChanged);
   connect(this, &MenuBar::ReadOnlyModeChanged, this, &MenuBar::OnReadOnlyModeChanged);
 }
 
-void MenuBar::EmulationStarted()
+void MenuBar::OnEmulationStateChanged(Core::State state)
 {
+  bool running = state != Core::State::Uninitialized;
+  bool playing = running && state != Core::State::Paused;
+
   // Emulation
-  m_play_action->setEnabled(false);
-  m_play_action->setVisible(false);
-  m_pause_action->setEnabled(true);
-  m_pause_action->setVisible(true);
-  m_stop_action->setEnabled(true);
-  m_reset_action->setEnabled(true);
-  m_fullscreen_action->setEnabled(true);
-  m_frame_advance_action->setEnabled(true);
-  m_screenshot_action->setEnabled(true);
-  m_state_load_menu->setEnabled(true);
-  m_state_save_menu->setEnabled(true);
+  m_play_action->setEnabled(!playing);
+  m_play_action->setVisible(!playing);
+  m_pause_action->setEnabled(playing);
+  m_pause_action->setVisible(playing);
+  m_stop_action->setEnabled(running);
+  m_stop_action->setVisible(running);
+  m_reset_action->setEnabled(running);
+  m_fullscreen_action->setEnabled(running);
+  m_frame_advance_action->setEnabled(running);
+  m_screenshot_action->setEnabled(running);
+  m_state_load_menu->setEnabled(running);
+  m_state_save_menu->setEnabled(running);
 
   // Movie
-  m_recording_read_only->setEnabled(true);
-  m_recording_play->setEnabled(false);
+  m_recording_read_only->setEnabled(running);
+  if (!running)
+    m_recording_stop->setEnabled(false);
+  m_recording_play->setEnabled(!running);
 
   UpdateStateSlotMenu();
-  UpdateToolsMenu(true);
-}
-void MenuBar::EmulationPaused()
-{
-  m_play_action->setEnabled(true);
-  m_play_action->setVisible(true);
-  m_pause_action->setEnabled(false);
-  m_pause_action->setVisible(false);
-}
-void MenuBar::EmulationStopped()
-{
-  // Emulation
-  m_play_action->setEnabled(true);
-  m_play_action->setVisible(true);
-  m_pause_action->setEnabled(false);
-  m_pause_action->setVisible(false);
-  m_stop_action->setEnabled(false);
-  m_reset_action->setEnabled(false);
-  m_fullscreen_action->setEnabled(false);
-  m_frame_advance_action->setEnabled(false);
-  m_screenshot_action->setEnabled(false);
-  m_state_load_menu->setEnabled(false);
-  m_state_save_menu->setEnabled(false);
-
-  // Movie
-  m_recording_read_only->setEnabled(false);
-  m_recording_stop->setEnabled(false);
-  m_recording_play->setEnabled(false);
-
-  UpdateStateSlotMenu();
-  UpdateToolsMenu(false);
+  UpdateToolsMenu(running);
 }
 
 void MenuBar::AddFileMenu()
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/MenuBar.h b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/MenuBar.h
index 760a84f917..c4a8c6a41c 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/MenuBar.h
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/MenuBar.h
@@ -9,13 +9,18 @@
 #include <QMenu>
 #include <QMenuBar>
 
+#include "DolphinQt2/GameList/GameFile.h"
+
+namespace Core
+{
+enum class State;
+}
+
 namespace DiscIO
 {
 enum class Region;
 };
 
-#include "DolphinQt2/GameList/GameFile.h"
-
 class MenuBar final : public QMenuBar
 {
   Q_OBJECT
@@ -23,9 +28,6 @@ class MenuBar final : public QMenuBar
 public:
   explicit MenuBar(QWidget* parent = nullptr);
 
-  void EmulationStarted();
-  void EmulationPaused();
-  void EmulationStopped();
   void UpdateStateSlotMenu();
   void UpdateToolsMenu(bool emulation_started);
 
@@ -88,6 +90,8 @@ signals:
   void ReadOnlyModeChanged(bool read_only);
 
 private:
+  void OnEmulationStateChanged(Core::State state);
+
   void AddFileMenu();
 
   void AddEmulationMenu();
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/NetPlay/NetPlayDialog.cpp b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/NetPlay/NetPlayDialog.cpp
index 7057d5ced2..fed75b2eb1 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/NetPlay/NetPlayDialog.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/NetPlay/NetPlayDialog.cpp
@@ -188,8 +188,8 @@ void NetPlayDialog::ConnectWidgets()
     }
   });
 
-  connect(this, &NetPlayDialog::EmulationStopped, this, [this] {
-    if (isVisible())
+  connect(&Settings::Instance(), &Settings::EmulationStateChanged, this, [=](Core::State state) {
+    if (state == Core::State::Uninitialized && isVisible())
       GameStatusChanged(false);
   });
 }
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/NetPlay/NetPlayDialog.h b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/NetPlay/NetPlayDialog.h
index bf10962692..593d65a3c5 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/NetPlay/NetPlayDialog.h
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/NetPlay/NetPlayDialog.h
@@ -54,7 +54,6 @@ public:
   void SetMD5Result(int pid, const std::string& result) override;
   void AbortMD5() override;
 signals:
-  void EmulationStopped();
   void Boot(const QString& filename);
   void Stop();
 
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Settings.cpp b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Settings.cpp
index 505614eae3..fbc283c267 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Settings.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Settings.cpp
@@ -11,11 +11,16 @@
 #include "Common/FileUtil.h"
 #include "Common/StringUtil.h"
 #include "Core/ConfigManager.h"
+#include "Core/Core.h"
 #include "DolphinQt2/GameList/GameListModel.h"
 #include "DolphinQt2/Settings.h"
 #include "InputCommon/InputConfig.h"
 
-Settings::Settings() = default;
+Settings::Settings()
+{
+  Core::SetOnStateChangedCallback(
+      [this](Core::State new_state) { emit EmulationStateChanged(new_state); });
+}
 
 Settings& Settings::Instance()
 {
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Settings.h b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Settings.h
index 54bf446153..4de0b88be6 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Settings.h
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Settings.h
@@ -12,6 +12,11 @@
 #include "Core/NetPlayClient.h"
 #include "Core/NetPlayServer.h"
 
+namespace Core
+{
+enum class State;
+}
+
 namespace DiscIO
 {
 enum class Language;
@@ -76,6 +81,7 @@ public:
   GameListModel* GetGameListModel() const;
 
 signals:
+  void EmulationStateChanged(Core::State new_state);
   void ThemeChanged();
   void PathAdded(const QString&);
   void PathRemoved(const QString&);
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Settings/AudioPane.cpp b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Settings/AudioPane.cpp
index ad7c9aa6ed..91bbccd558 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Settings/AudioPane.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Settings/AudioPane.cpp
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 
 #include "AudioCommon/AudioCommon.h"
 #include "Core/ConfigManager.h"
+#include "Core/Core.h"
 #include "DolphinQt2/Config/SettingsWindow.h"
 #include "DolphinQt2/Settings.h"
 
@@ -28,6 +29,8 @@ AudioPane::AudioPane()
   ConnectWidgets();
 
   connect(&Settings::Instance(), &Settings::VolumeChanged, this, &AudioPane::OnVolumeChanged);
+  connect(&Settings::Instance(), &Settings::EmulationStateChanged, this,
+          [=](Core::State state) { OnEmulationStateChanged(state != Core::State::Uninitialized); });
 }
 
 void AudioPane::CreateWidgets()
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Settings/AudioPane.h b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Settings/AudioPane.h
index 68ca4c682d..84d203120c 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Settings/AudioPane.h
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/Settings/AudioPane.h
@@ -21,8 +21,6 @@ class AudioPane final : public QWidget
 public:
   explicit AudioPane();
 
-  void OnEmulationStateChanged(bool running);
-
 private:
   void CreateWidgets();
   void ConnectWidgets();
@@ -30,6 +28,7 @@ private:
   void LoadSettings();
   void SaveSettings();
 
+  void OnEmulationStateChanged(bool running);
   void OnBackendChanged();
   void OnVolumeChanged(int volume);
 
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/ToolBar.cpp b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/ToolBar.cpp
index 0ea284a272..b8e6e6760d 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/ToolBar.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/ToolBar.cpp
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 
 #include <QIcon>
 
+#include "Core/Core.h"
 #include "DolphinQt2/QtUtils/ActionHelper.h"
 #include "DolphinQt2/Resources.h"
 #include "DolphinQt2/Settings.h"
@@ -22,40 +23,24 @@ ToolBar::ToolBar(QWidget* parent) : QToolBar(parent)
   connect(&Settings::Instance(), &Settings::ThemeChanged, this, &ToolBar::UpdateIcons);
   UpdateIcons();
 
-  EmulationStopped();
+  connect(&Settings::Instance(), &Settings::EmulationStateChanged, this,
+          [this](Core::State state) { OnEmulationStateChanged(state); });
+  OnEmulationStateChanged(Core::GetState());
 }
 
-void ToolBar::EmulationStarted()
+void ToolBar::OnEmulationStateChanged(Core::State state)
 {
-  m_play_action->setEnabled(false);
-  m_play_action->setVisible(false);
-  m_pause_action->setEnabled(true);
-  m_pause_action->setVisible(true);
-  m_stop_action->setEnabled(true);
-  m_stop_action->setVisible(true);
-  m_fullscreen_action->setEnabled(true);
-  m_screenshot_action->setEnabled(true);
-}
+  bool running = state != Core::State::Uninitialized;
+  m_stop_action->setEnabled(running);
+  m_stop_action->setVisible(running);
+  m_fullscreen_action->setEnabled(running);
+  m_screenshot_action->setEnabled(running);
 
-void ToolBar::EmulationPaused()
-{
-  m_play_action->setEnabled(true);
-  m_play_action->setVisible(true);
-  m_pause_action->setEnabled(false);
-  m_pause_action->setVisible(false);
-  m_stop_action->setEnabled(true);
-  m_stop_action->setVisible(true);
-}
-
-void ToolBar::EmulationStopped()
-{
-  m_play_action->setEnabled(true);
-  m_play_action->setVisible(true);
-  m_pause_action->setEnabled(false);
-  m_pause_action->setVisible(false);
-  m_stop_action->setEnabled(false);
-  m_fullscreen_action->setEnabled(false);
-  m_screenshot_action->setEnabled(false);
+  bool playing = running && state != Core::State::Paused;
+  m_play_action->setEnabled(!playing);
+  m_play_action->setVisible(!playing);
+  m_pause_action->setEnabled(playing);
+  m_pause_action->setVisible(playing);
 }
 
 void ToolBar::MakeActions()
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/ToolBar.h b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/ToolBar.h
index 179c0f5729..709fdee4d3 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/ToolBar.h
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinQt2/ToolBar.h
@@ -8,6 +8,11 @@
 #include <QLineEdit>
 #include <QToolBar>
 
+namespace Core
+{
+enum class State;
+}
+
 class ToolBar final : public QToolBar
 {
   Q_OBJECT
@@ -15,11 +20,6 @@ class ToolBar final : public QToolBar
 public:
   explicit ToolBar(QWidget* parent = nullptr);
 
-public slots:
-  void EmulationStarted();
-  void EmulationPaused();
-  void EmulationStopped();
-
 signals:
   void OpenPressed();
   void PlayPressed();
@@ -33,6 +33,8 @@ signals:
   void GraphicsPressed();
 
 private:
+  void OnEmulationStateChanged(Core::State state);
+
   void MakeActions();
   void UpdateIcons();
 
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinWX/Frame.cpp b/Source/Core/DolphinWX/Frame.cpp
index 7800907a37..7bc9daab15 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinWX/Frame.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinWX/Frame.cpp
@@ -530,8 +530,9 @@ void CFrame::InitializeCoreCallbacks()
   });
 
   // Warning: this gets called from the EmuThread
-  Core::SetOnStoppedCallback([this] {
-    AddPendingEvent(wxCommandEvent{wxEVT_HOST_COMMAND, IDM_STOPPED});
+  Core::SetOnStateChangedCallback([this](Core::State state) {
+    if (state == Core::State::Uninitialized)
+      AddPendingEvent(wxCommandEvent{wxEVT_HOST_COMMAND, IDM_STOPPED});
   });
 }
 
diff --git a/Source/Core/DolphinWX/FrameTools.cpp b/Source/Core/DolphinWX/FrameTools.cpp
index d505ce14d3..89726223dc 100644
--- a/Source/Core/DolphinWX/FrameTools.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/DolphinWX/FrameTools.cpp
@@ -446,7 +446,7 @@ void CFrame::OnFrameStep(wxCommandEvent& event)
 {
   bool wasPaused = Core::GetState() == Core::State::Paused;
 
-  Movie::DoFrameStep();
+  Core::DoFrameStep();
 
   bool isPaused = Core::GetState() == Core::State::Paused;
   if (isPaused && !wasPaused)  // don't update on unpause, otherwise the status would be wrong when
diff --git a/Source/Core/InputCommon/GCAdapter.cpp b/Source/Core/InputCommon/GCAdapter.cpp
index 685329a693..7a897affdc 100644
--- a/Source/Core/InputCommon/GCAdapter.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/InputCommon/GCAdapter.cpp
@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@ void Init()
   if (s_handle != nullptr)
     return;
 
-  if (Core::GetState() != Core::State::Uninitialized)
+  if (Core::GetState() != Core::State::Uninitialized && Core::GetState() != Core::State::Starting)
   {
     if ((CoreTiming::GetTicks() - s_last_init) < SystemTimers::GetTicksPerSecond())
       return;
diff --git a/Source/Core/InputCommon/GCAdapter_Android.cpp b/Source/Core/InputCommon/GCAdapter_Android.cpp
index 7b0c6e1545..d8628530a3 100644
--- a/Source/Core/InputCommon/GCAdapter_Android.cpp
+++ b/Source/Core/InputCommon/GCAdapter_Android.cpp
@@ -195,7 +195,7 @@ void Init()
   if (s_fd)
     return;
 
-  if (Core::GetState() != Core::State::Uninitialized)
+  if (Core::GetState() != Core::State::Uninitialized && Core::GetState() != Core::State::Starting)
   {
     if ((CoreTiming::GetTicks() - s_last_init) < SystemTimers::GetTicksPerSecond())
       return;