Autoruns vs Blancco Drive 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.

Blancco Drive Eraser permanently overwrites data on HDDs, SSDs, NVMes and other drive-based devices. It supports loose drives, servers, desktops, laptops, Chromebooks and Apple T2 computers, with standards including DoD, NIST, BSI and IEEE 2883, among more than 20 others. Its SSD method uses firmware commands, freeze-lock removal, random overwrites and full verification. Each erasure is verified and produces a digitally signed certificate stored centrally for auditing. Customizable workflows can automate erasure locally or remotely across offices, data centers and employee home offices. Integration options include ITSM and ITAM systems such as ServiceNow, AMS or ERP systems, plus a REST API for ticketing, support, asset-management, WMS and ERP systems. Deployment options range from CD or USB and PXE to Windows or Linux preinstall, iLO, iDRAC, Cisco UCS, Intel AMT or appliance mode. The product is for corporate IT teams, enterprises, IT asset disposition vendors and other high-volume processors. A 14-day free trial allows up to five erasures, diagnostics or gradings and integration testing. Pricing is on request; a free trial is available, but there is no free plan.