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SPECIFICTION
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Autoruns

learn.microsoft.com

Free plan Windows
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Spec score 8.0 #3 of 17 in Data Erasure Software

What it is

Autoruns shows programs and drivers configured to run during Windows boot, login, or when certain built-in Windows applications start. It reports startup items from locations such as the Startup folder, Registry keys, Explorer extensions, services, scheduled tasks, and Winlogon entries. Users can hide signed Microsoft entries to focus on third-party items, inspect startup images configured for other accounts, and disable an entry or delete its configuration. Scan options include signature verification and VirusTotal hash checks; submitting files not previously scanned requires the upload option, and VirusTotal features require accepting its terms. The download includes Autorunsc, a command-line version that can output CSV or tab-delimited data, verify signatures, and scan an offline Windows system. The Autoruns and Autorunsc download is listed as 3 MB, and Microsoft offers a Sysinternals Live option. Autoruns costs nothing, with no limit on installation or use on devices owned or supported by the user, but no redistribution license. Microsoft says Sysinternals tools are provided as is without official support and points users to a community forum.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Autoruns shows programs and drivers configured to run during system boot, login, and when certain built-in Windows applications start.Read 12 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Support
Microsoft says Sysinternals tools are provided as is without official Microsoft support and points users to a community support forum.Read 12 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Command-line tool
The download includes Autorunsc, a command-line version that can output CSV or tab-delimited data and verify digital signatures.Read 12 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Data collection
The Sysinternals software license terms state that Sysinternals tools do not collect data.Read 12 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Download and live use
The Autoruns and Autorunsc download is listed as 3 MB, and Microsoft also provides a Sysinternals Live option to run it.Read 12 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Filter Microsoft entries
The Hide Signed Microsoft Entries option helps focus on third-party auto-starting images.Read 12 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Junk cleanup
NoRead 20 Sep 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Manage entries
Users can disable an auto-start entry by unchecking it or delete its configuration entry.Read 12 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Multiple accounts
Autoruns can show auto-starting images configured for other user accounts on the system.Read 12 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Offline scanning
Autorunsc supports specifying an offline Windows system to scan.Read 12 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Signature and malware checks
Scan options include signature verification and VirusTotal hash checks, and can submit files not previously scanned when the upload option is specified.Read 12 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Startup locations
It reports startup items from locations including the Startup folder, Registry keys, Explorer extensions, services, scheduled tasks, and Winlogon entries.Read 12 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Startup manager
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Use limits
The licensing FAQ says there is no limit on installations and use on your devices or devices you support, but Microsoft does not offer distribution licenses.Read 12 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
VirusTotal terms
Users must accept VirusTotal's terms of service before using Autoruns' VirusTotal features.Read 12 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com

Plans and prices

Free Free Free to use · no limit on installs or use on your devices or devices you support · no redistribution license Read 12 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com

Every Autoruns plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Reports entries across many startup locations.
  • Can disable or delete startup configurations.
  • Autorunsc supports offline Windows scanning.
  • Free with no limit on installs or use on supported devices.

Limits

  • Windows only.
  • No redistribution license.
  • Microsoft provides no official support.
  • VirusTotal features require accepting its terms.

Who it suits

Autoruns suits Windows users who want to inspect and manage configured startup entries, including entries for other accounts. Its command-line companion may suit users who need tabular output or offline scans.

Verdict

Autoruns provides a detailed view of Windows auto-start entries and includes a command-line companion for output and offline scanning. It is free to use on owned or supported devices, but redistribution and official support are not offered.

Where Specifiction places it

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