AlwaysUp vs Autoruns

AlwaysUp runs applications as Windows Services so they can start at boot and keep running without a user logged in. It supports executables, batch files, Java applications, Python scripts and other application types. Monitoring can trigger restarts if an application crashes, hangs or uses too much memory; email alerts and Windows Event Log reporting provide activity details. Scheduling options include application restarts and computer reboots, alongside custom sanity checks and automation for dialogs and forms. The maker lists compatibility guides for more than 160 applications, including Dropbox, Google Drive for desktop and Plex Media Server. The current release supports Windows 11 and 10, and Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019 and 2016; earlier releases are available for some older versions. The maker says core functionality needs no internet access, configuration stays local, and installations do not transmit personal data or telemetry. A free Web Service add-on provides browser or HTTP API control, with HTTPS support. An unrestricted 30-day trial is available. An individual single-PC license costs $49.99 as a one-time purchase; additional volume and site license options are listed.

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.