Autoruns

Overview

Autoruns is a free Windows utility for finding and managing software and drivers configured to launch automatically. It suits people who need to inspect startup behavior across Windows system locations, user accounts, or an offline installation. Its broad inventory and command-line companion make it a capable specialist tool, though it offers no junk cleanup and comes without official Microsoft support.

Key features

Autoruns covers more than the Startup folder: it reports entries from Registry keys, Explorer extensions, services, scheduled tasks, and Winlogon, as well as items that run when certain built-in Windows applications start. This wide view is useful when tracking down an unexpected launch point; users who only want a quick, simple startup toggle may find its scope excessive.

The Hide Signed Microsoft Entries option helps focus on third-party auto-starting images, and Autoruns can show entries configured for other accounts on the same computer. You can disable an entry by unchecking it or delete its configuration entry. Those controls support targeted review and management, but the lack of junk cleanup makes Autoruns a poor fit for anyone seeking a broader system-maintenance utility.

Scan options include digital-signature verification and VirusTotal hash checks. With the upload option specified, Autoruns can submit files that have not been scanned before; VirusTotal features require users to accept VirusTotal's terms of service. Sysinternals' license terms state that its tools do not collect data.

The download includes Autorunsc, a command-line companion that can produce CSV or tab-delimited output and verify digital signatures. It can also scan an offline Windows system, which is useful for scripted reporting or examining an installation that is not currently running. The Autoruns and Autorunsc download is listed as 3 MB, and Microsoft offers a Sysinternals Live option for running the tool.

Pricing

Autoruns is free: free. There is no limit on installations or use on your own devices or devices you support. That makes it practical for individual users and support work without a seat count or usage cap. Microsoft does not offer a distribution license, so this permission does not cover redistribution.

The free plan includes the startup inspection and management utility plus Autorunsc. There is no paid plan to unlock additional capabilities, but users who need official Microsoft support should look elsewhere: Sysinternals tools are provided as is, with Microsoft pointing users to a community support forum.

Platforms

Autoruns is for Windows. It is not a choice for people who need a startup manager on Linux or another platform.

Who it's for

Choose Autoruns if you are comfortable reviewing system configuration and need to trace auto-start entries across multiple Windows locations. Its account visibility and offline scanning also suit administrators and support staff investigating more than the active user's setup. If you only need a broad cleanup workflow, a simpler startup control, or official support, its specialized scope is a drawback.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Reports startup configuration across the Startup folder, Registry, services, scheduled tasks, Explorer extensions, and Winlogon, making it useful for locating entries a narrow startup list can miss.
• Pros: Can inspect other user accounts and offline Windows systems, giving administrators more reach than a view limited to the current session.
• Pros: Free with no installation or use limit on devices you own or support, and Autorunsc adds command-line output and signature verification.
• Cons: Windows only, so it cannot serve users managing startup behavior on other platforms.
• Cons: No junk cleanup, which limits its usefulness as an all-purpose maintenance tool.
• Cons: Sysinternals tools are provided without official Microsoft support, and redistribution is not licensed.

Alternatives

If you need a startup manager, see the Startup Manager Software directory. Autoruns is the relevant fit when you specifically need its broad Windows startup inventory and offline command-line scanning; the alternatives below focus on file deletion instead.

For secure file deletion on Windows, Cairo Secure Eraser is a free option with all listed features included, no paid upgrade stated, and a free account required to download. Eraser is another free Windows choice, with source code released under the GNU General Public License.

Free File Eraser is a Windows desktop utility described as freeware with no hidden cost or function limit stated. OW Shredder is a free Windows download. For Linux, Raider is a free app for permanent file deletion.

Crypto Shredder offers a free Windows edition, and its product page credits Seng Thao at ThugOn.com as its maker. DeleteOnClick is free for Windows 32-bit and 64-bit. File Shredder is a free GNU/GPL option with five shredding algorithms, file and folder shredding, and free-space wiping.

For other data-erasure and file-shredding options, browse Secure File Shredding Software, Data Erasure Software, or File Shredder Software. For disk defragmentation or system information tools, see Disk Defragmentation Software and System Information Software.

Verdict

Autoruns is a strong free choice for technically confident Windows users who need a detailed view of what launches automatically, including across accounts and offline systems. Its wide coverage and Autorunsc companion are the main reasons to choose it. Look elsewhere if you need junk cleanup, another operating system, or official Microsoft support.