Overview

Autoruns is a Windows utility for seeing what is set to launch during startup, sign-in, and certain built-in app events. It suits users who need a thorough inventory across system locations, accounts, or offline installations. Its depth is valuable for diagnosis and targeted changes, though its narrow focus makes it a poor fit for routine PC cleanup.

Key features

Autoruns covers Startup folder entries alongside Registry keys, Explorer extensions, services, scheduled tasks, and Winlogon entries. That wide scope can expose launch points a basic startup list misses, which is useful for IT staff and confident users investigating a particular item. For someone who only wants a short list of apps to toggle, the breadth can feel like more machinery than the task requires.

The Hide Signed Microsoft Entries option filters the view toward third-party auto-starting images, and the utility can show entries configured for other accounts on the same PC. An entry can be disabled by unchecking it or removed by deleting its configuration entry. These are direct controls for managing startup behavior; they do not amount to junk cleanup, which Autoruns does not provide.

Scan options include signature verification and VirusTotal hash checks. With the upload option specified, Autoruns can submit files that have not been scanned before; use of VirusTotal features requires accepting VirusTotal's terms. 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 signatures. It can also scan an offline Windows system, making it a stronger fit for scripted inventory and recovery work than a GUI-only startup manager.

Pricing

Autoruns is free: the Free plan is free and permits unlimited installations and use on devices you own or support. There is no paid tier to add capabilities. The important limitation is licensing: Microsoft does not offer redistribution licenses, so organizations can use the tool on supported devices but cannot assume they may bundle or redistribute it.

The 3 MB download includes both Autoruns and Autorunsc, and Microsoft also offers a Sysinternals Live option to run the utility. Microsoft provides Sysinternals tools as-is without official support, directing users to a community forum instead. That arrangement is practical for users comfortable relying on community help, but a drawback where a supported vendor channel is required.

Platforms

Autoruns runs on Windows. Its offline scan support extends its usefulness to Windows installations that are not currently running, while the included command-line tool supports data export and signature checks. It is not a cross-platform option for teams managing Linux or macOS startup settings.

Who it's for

Choose Autoruns if you need to trace launch configuration beyond the usual startup folder, inspect other Windows accounts, or scan an offline installation. Administrators and technically experienced users will get the most from its wide inventory and command-line companion. It is less suitable for first-timers who want an uncomplicated cleanup workflow, and for anyone who needs official Microsoft support or a redistribution license.

Pros and cons

Pro: Reports entries across services, scheduled tasks, Registry keys, and other startup locations, giving investigations a broader scope than a Startup-folder-only view.
Pro: Can inspect other user accounts and offline Windows systems, useful for administration and recovery tasks.
Pro: Includes Autorunsc for structured command-line output and signature verification, at no charge.
Con: Windows only, so it does not cover mixed-platform environments.
Con: No junk cleanup; users seeking an all-purpose maintenance workflow need another tool.
Con: Microsoft offers no official support or redistribution license, which can complicate support expectations and deployment.

Alternatives

For a broader category comparison, see Startup Manager Software. For monitoring running processes rather than configured startup entries, browse Process Monitoring Software.

The other listed alternatives focus on erasing or shredding data. If that is the task, Active@ KillDisk offers a freemium option with paid personal licenses at 64.95 USD per once and 79.95 USD per once. XErase is a paid Windows and self-hosted option with a trial and annual subscription, with custom pricing. BCWipe Total WipeOut is a paid cross-platform option with a trial. DriveWipe is free for personal, hobby, and commercial use across Linux, macOS, and Windows. File Shredder is a free Windows tool for shredding files and folders and wiping free space. nwipe is a free Linux command-line and ncurses utility. Blancco Drive Eraser is a paid Linux and Windows product with a trial. CBL Data Shredder is a free Windows option for low-level drive formatting and sector wiping.

Verdict

Autoruns is the right choice for Windows users who need a detailed view of what launches and want direct controls, offline scanning, or command-line output without paying. Its strongest reason to choose is the breadth of its inventory; look elsewhere if you need general cleanup, cross-platform coverage, official support, or permission to redistribute the software.

	Autoruns	Owlette
Free plan	Yes
Free trial		No
Paid from	Free	$20/mo
Platforms	Windows	api, self-hosted, Web, Windows
Free plan	Yes	No
Junk cleanup	No
Startup manager	Yes
Paid from		20 /mo
Supported platforms		Windows
Remote monitoring		Yes
Process alerting		Yes
Process controls		Yes
Activity logs		Yes

Autoruns vs Owlette

Autoruns

Owlette