Autoruns vs BitRaser File Eraser

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.

BitRaser File Eraser permanently removes files, folders, volumes, browser history, application traces, and other user data from computers and external storage. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux and is designed to leave operating system files intact. The software supports 18 erasure standards, including NIST 800-88 and DoD methods, with random and total verification. Tasks can be scheduled daily, weekly, or monthly, and password protection can prevent unauthorized erasure. It creates digitally signed reports in PDF and XML, with automatic syncing to BitRaser Cloud Console. It can erase data on mapped drives, including Google Drive. The Network edition lets administrators search for files and remotely execute and monitor erasures across domain-connected computers. A free license offers full access to the software and Cloud Console, but is available only for business use. The Corporate Windows plan costs $34 a year for one machine and permits unlimited erasures during the active subscription; taxes are extra, and internet access is required to download and activate. Licenses are annual and machine-specific, and Windows and Mac machines require separate licenses.