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Head-to-head · Startup Manager Software

AutoRun Manager vs StartupManager

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score AutoRun Manager #7 in Startup Manager Software 8.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Try AutoRun Manager
StartupManager #8 in Startup Manager Software 8.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit StartupManager

AutoRun Manager leads on 0 checks, StartupManager on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAutoRun Manager · 8.3/10
  • Free planboth

AutoRun Manager scores higher on our rubric for startup manager software: 8.3 against 8.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.

AutoRun Manager is the better fit for open-source startup configuration backups. StartupManager is the better fit for open-source startup entry management.

  • AutoRun Manager fits best

    Open-source startup configuration backups

  • StartupManager fits best

    Open-source startup entry management

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Side by side

Feature AutoRun Manager 8.3/10 Visit ↗ StartupManager 8.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.3 8.1
Ranking #7 in Startup Manager Software #8 in Startup Manager Software
Best for Open-source startup configuration backups Open-source startup entry management
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features AutoRun Manager 1/4 · StartupManager 1/4
Startup delay Not checked yet —
Service control Not checked yet —
Startup inspection ✓ ✓
Portable edition Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Windows support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Startup item limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Backs up and restores startup configuration
  • Enables, disables, adds, removes, and cleans up entries
  • Records actions and errors in timestamped log files
  • Displays startup paths and arguments for detailed inspection
  • Manages registry, Task Scheduler, and shortcut startup entries
  • Sets priority for Task Scheduler startup programs
Cons
  • Runs only on Windows
  • Requires an administrator command prompt
  • Command-line operation may not suit users seeking a graphical interface
  • Windows-only availability limits cross-platform use
  • Command-line operation may not suit users seeking a graphical interface
  • Does not provide startup-delay or service-control features
Our verdict

AutoRun Manager is a free, open-source Windows command-line utility for inspecting and managing programs configured to run at system startup. It is aimed at users who want direct control over startup entries, particularly those who value…

Read the review →

StartupManager is a free, open-source command-line utility for Windows startup management. It is designed for users who prefer command-line system administration tools and need to inspect or control programs that launch with Windows. The…

Read the review →
  1. AutoRun ManagerStartup Manager Software 8.3Free plan
  2. StartupManagerStartup Manager Software 8.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • AutoRun Manager — where it wins

    • Backs up and restores startup configuration
    • Enables, disables, adds, removes, and cleans up entries
    • Records actions and errors in timestamped log files

    Where it doesn't

    • Runs only on Windows
    • Requires an administrator command prompt
    • Command-line operation may not suit users seeking a graphical interface

  • StartupManager — where it wins

    • Displays startup paths and arguments for detailed inspection
    • Manages registry, Task Scheduler, and shortcut startup entries
    • Sets priority for Task Scheduler startup programs

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only availability limits cross-platform use
    • Command-line operation may not suit users seeking a graphical interface
    • Does not provide startup-delay or service-control features

More comparisons

All startup manager software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update