Autoruns vs XErase

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.

XErase automates secure erasure for individual drives, enclosures and storage arrays. It supports Windows installation, PXE network boot, USB boot and stand-alone erasure stations. Stand-alone deployment offers more than 35 erasure and validation options, including NIST verification support; users can also create methods during use and configure methods based on NIST and DoD approaches. Erasure reports are tamper-proof and available in PDF, XML, CSV and TXT formats. In PXE and USB deployments, one server can remotely control hundreds of systems. PXE workflows can collect system and physical-condition information, run burn-in tests, inject drivers, and automate re-imaging and application installation. Per-device logs stay on the erasure station or PXE server; XErase does not provide a customer-data database. ERP connections include Makor, Razor and CycleLution, and database integration may require additional licensing. XErase requires Windows 10 or Windows Server, an x64 Intel or AMD processor and 8 GB of memory. Pricing is on request; an annual subscription is described, and a free-trial request form is available.