AutoRun Manager vs ZStartup

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.

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.