NSSM vs ZStartup

NSSM is a Windows service helper that runs an application as a service, watches its process, and responds when it exits. A graphical interface installs or removes services, while command-line options support scripted configuration. On exit, NSSM can restart the application, ignore the event, terminate itself, or exit uncleanly so Windows recovery actions can run. It records its own progress in the Windows system Event Log and can redirect the monitored program’s input and output. Output files can rotate at a configurable size, including while the program continues running. Administrators can set process priority and CPU affinity, and start, stop, or query services. NSSM provides 32-bit and 64-bit binaries and says it should work on Windows 2000 or later. It is public domain, with source usable for any purpose. The site lists version 2.24 from 2014-08-31 as latest, plus a 2017 prerelease. Administrator access is required; documented bugs affect newer startup, XP, and large log rotation.

ZStartup is a free Windows utility for inspecting and managing programs configured to launch when Windows starts. It displays HKCU and HKLM Run and RunOnce registry keys and detects shortcuts in user and system startup folders. Search and filters narrow entries by source, scope, and enabled, disabled, or broken status. Users can add startup programs and delete entries with a 5.5-second undo window shown by a toast notification. The app detects its elevation level and can restart with administrator privileges; elevated access unlocks system-level entries and HKLM keys. The maker says its installers are self-contained and require no.NET, WebView2 installation, or runtime. ZStartup is described as having no telemetry. Built with Tauri and Rust and a React interface, the open source project uses the MIT License and offers MSI and NSIS Windows installers. The listed release supports Windows 10 and 11 on x64. The Free plan costs nothing. The maker’s page links to the project’s GitHub repository.