A switching regulator for generating a regulated output voltage comprises a charging switch, a network with a coil, a capacitor and a diode as well as a control to open and close the charging switch. On the output side, the network has a positive output rail and a negative output rail, wherein the output voltage to be regulated is applied between the positive output rail and the negative output rail. The control is formed to control a change-over switch to connect the control input of the charging switch either to the positive output rail or the negative output rail via a potential coupling means. Thus, for controlling the switch, no individual potential has to be generated, but the potential at the positive output rail or the negative output rail, which is anyway applied, is used for controlling the charging switch. Thereby, the inventive switching regulator can be structured in a simple way and, additionally, provides defined and fast startup without requiring additional startup circuits.