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Head-to-head · Startup Manager Software

Autoruns vs AutoRun Manager

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Autoruns #1 in Startup Manager Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Autoruns
AutoRun Manager #7 in Startup Manager Software 8.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Try AutoRun Manager

Autoruns leads on 0 checks, AutoRun Manager on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAutoruns · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresAutoRun Manager · 1 of 4

Autoruns scores higher on our rubric for startup manager software: 9.4 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

Autoruns is the better fit for deep Windows startup inspection. AutoRun Manager is the better fit for open-source startup configuration backups.

  • Autoruns fits best

    Deep Windows startup inspection

  • AutoRun Manager fits best

    Open-source startup configuration backups

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Side by side

Feature Autoruns 9.4/10 Visit ↗ AutoRun Manager 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.3
Ranking #1 in Startup Manager Software #7 in Startup Manager Software
Best for Deep Windows startup inspection Open-source startup configuration backups
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Autoruns 0/4 · AutoRun Manager 1/4
Startup delay Not checked yet Not checked yet
Service control Not checked yet Not checked yet
Startup inspection Not checked yet ✓ (best)
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
  • Scans startup folders, Registry keys, services, drivers, and scheduled tasks
  • Verifies digital signatures and supports optional VirusTotal checks
  • Includes Autorunsc with CSV and XML output options
  • Backs up and restores startup configuration
  • Enables, disables, adds, removes, and cleans up entries
  • Records actions and errors in timestamped log files
Cons
  • Windows-only utility
  • Does not provide general-purpose junk cleanup
  • Does not update device drivers
  • Runs only on Windows
  • Requires an administrator command prompt
  • Command-line operation may not suit users seeking a graphical interface
Our verdict

Autoruns is a Windows utility for inspecting and managing programs, drivers, services, and other components configured to run automatically. It suits users who need a detailed view of boot, login, and application startup activity,…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. AutorunsStartup Manager Software 9.4Free plan
  2. AutoRun ManagerStartup Manager Software 8.3Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Autoruns — where it wins

    • Scans startup folders, Registry keys, services, drivers, and scheduled tasks
    • Verifies digital signatures and supports optional VirusTotal checks
    • Includes Autorunsc with CSV and XML output options

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only utility
    • Does not provide general-purpose junk cleanup
    • Does not update device drivers

  • 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

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