AlwaysUp vs SterJo Startup Patrol

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.

SterJo Startup Patrol is a free Windows utility that monitors startup registry locations and startup folders in real time. It alerts when a program attempts to add a startup entry, showing the program name, full path, and modified location. You can allow, disable, or delete the change from the alert. Its main window lists active entries for manual disabling, and previous decisions or permissions can be adjusted later. Additional tools include digital-signature checks, a right-click Google search for unknown entries, and a portable edition for USB use. The portable version runs without installation and is described as not modifying system files. Version 1.6 is listed at 2.2 MB and adds an alert sound for new entries. Supported Windows versions are 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP in 32- and 64-bit editions. Scheduled Tasks are outside its core monitoring. The maker says Startup Patrol is not an antivirus, though it can flag potentially suspicious startup changes.