AutoRun Manager vs Autoruns

AutoRun Manager is a free Windows command-line utility for viewing and changing programs configured to run at startup. It can list startup entries, add a program, and remove one. It can also save and restore the startup configuration, though that backup does not include the programs themselves. A separate command clears all programs from the startup list. The utility manages entries through the Windows Registry and records actions and errors in timestamped text files in My Documents\AutoRunManager. The instructions say to open Command Prompt as an administrator and run AutoRunManager.exe; the command-line interface displays its available commands when started. The project uses the MIT License, which permits free use and distribution and provides the software without warranty. The README invites community contributions through pull requests. The listed plan is free.

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.