AlwaysUp vs ZStartup

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.

ZStartup is a free Windows utility for inspecting and managing programs configured to launch when Windows starts. It displays HKCU and HKLM Run and RunOnce registry keys and detects shortcuts in user and system startup folders. Search and filters narrow entries by source, scope, and enabled, disabled, or broken status. Users can add startup programs and delete entries with a 5.5-second undo window shown by a toast notification. The app detects its elevation level and can restart with administrator privileges; elevated access unlocks system-level entries and HKLM keys. The maker says its installers are self-contained and require no.NET, WebView2 installation, or runtime. ZStartup is described as having no telemetry. Built with Tauri and Rust and a React interface, the open source project uses the MIT License and offers MSI and NSIS Windows installers. The listed release supports Windows 10 and 11 on x64. The Free plan costs nothing. The maker’s page links to the project’s GitHub repository.