Autoruns vs NWinfo
Autoruns
learn.microsoft.comNWinfo
a1ive.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | Autoruns | NWinfo |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · System Information Software | 8.0 (#10) | 6.7 (#27) |
| Data collection | The Sysinternals software license terms state that Sysinternals tools do not collect data. | NWinfo gathers information directly without relying on WMI. |
| Purpose | Autoruns shows programs and drivers configured to run during system boot, login, and when certain built-in Windows applications start. | NWinfo is a Win32 program for collecting system and hardware information. |
Plans
In their own words
Autoruns
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.