Autoruns vs Speccy

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.

Speccy is a Windows system information tool that summarizes a PC’s hardware and provides component-level details. It reports on the CPU, motherboard, RAM, and graphics card, while also displaying real-time temperatures for critical components. Its system coverage includes the operating system, audio, storage, network, peripherals, and environmental settings. Info Finder helps locate particular system details, and S.M.A.R.T. support provides hard-drive diagnostic data. Scan results can be saved as snapshots, XML, or text files. Publish Snapshot can make specifications available at a public internet address without publishing the computer’s public IP address. Speccy has a free home-use plan and a Professional plan at $19.95 as a one-time purchase, which includes automatic updates and premium support. A separate CCleaner Professional Plus plan is $59.95 as a one-time purchase and covers up to three PCs with CCleaner and Recuva products. Free and Professional are for home use; business customers are directed to a business edition. Listed requirements span Windows XP through Windows 10, 32-bit and 64-bit, excluding RT tablet editions.