AutoRun Manager vs NSSM

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.

NSSM is a Windows service helper that runs an application as a service, watches its process, and responds when it exits. A graphical interface installs or removes services, while command-line options support scripted configuration. On exit, NSSM can restart the application, ignore the event, terminate itself, or exit uncleanly so Windows recovery actions can run. It records its own progress in the Windows system Event Log and can redirect the monitored program’s input and output. Output files can rotate at a configurable size, including while the program continues running. Administrators can set process priority and CPU affinity, and start, stop, or query services. NSSM provides 32-bit and 64-bit binaries and says it should work on Windows 2000 or later. It is public domain, with source usable for any purpose. The site lists version 2.24 from 2014-08-31 as latest, plus a 2017 prerelease. Administrator access is required; documented bugs affect newer startup, XP, and large log rotation.