Autoruns vs Remote Process Explorer

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.

Remote Process Explorer manages and monitors processes on local and remote Windows computers in real time. It can stop processes, start new ones, change priorities, and shut down or restart remote computers. Process details include process and parent IDs, CPU and memory use, priority, handles and threads, with running processes displayed as a tree. Computer management features include groups, on/off status, automatic list refresh, an Add Computers Wizard and separate accounts for each computer. The maker says remote computers need no additional software because the program uses built-in operating system functions. It can be downloaded and run on a user's own network without registration. The free Personal License is for non-commercial use on one computer and excludes support and maintenance. The Business License costs $149.95 as a one-time purchase for one machine; the Corporate License costs $2,999.95 as a one-time purchase for unlimited installations within one organization. Paid licenses are perpetual and include one year of updates and support, with optional renewal afterward. Listed platforms include Windows 10, 11 and several Windows Server versions through 2025.