Best AutoRun Manager Alternatives in 2026
The top AutoRun Manager alternatives are Autoruns, Autorun Organizer and HiBit Startup Manager: 15 startup manager software our editors would look at instead of AutoRun Manager, in our ranking order.
AutoRun Manager: A free, open-source command-line tool for backing up and managing Windows startup entries. Where it falls short: runs only on windows.
Switching from AutoRun Manager? For most startup manager software buyers the best AutoRun Manager alternative is Autoruns, built for deep Windows startup inspection.
Why People Look for an AutoRun Manager Alternative
- Runs only on Windows
- Requires an administrator command prompt
- Command-line operation may not suit users seeking a graphical interface
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallAutoruns9.4
Deep Windows startup inspection
Visit Autoruns - Best free optionAutoruns9.4
Has a free plan
Visit Autoruns
All 15 AutoRun Manager Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forDeep Windows startup inspection
- Better than AutoRun Manager:
- Editor score 9.4 vs 8.3
A free, detailed Windows tool for auditing and controlling startup activity.
9.4/10★★★★★Visit Autoruns -
Best forBroad startup control and boot optimization
- Better than AutoRun Manager:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 8.3
A broad, free Windows utility for controlling startup entries, delays, services, and scheduled tasks.
- Startup delay
- Startup inspection
- Service control
9.2/10★★★★★Visit product page -
Best forFree all-around startup management
- Better than AutoRun Manager:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 8.3
A free Windows utility combining startup control, monitoring, delays, and system management.
- Startup delay
- Portable edition
- Startup inspection
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit HiBitSoftware -
Best forBoot-time measurement and optimization
- Better than AutoRun Manager:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 8.3
A focused Windows utility for measuring boot slowdowns and managing startup behavior.
- Startup delay
- Startup inspection
- Service control
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit BootRacer -
Best forPortable startup auditing and export
- Better than AutoRun Manager:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 8.3
A free, detailed startup manager with portable operation and extensive export options.
- Portable edition
- Startup inspection
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit WhatInStartup -
Best forSimple free startup editing
- Better than AutoRun Manager:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 8.3
A focused, free Windows tool for reviewing and controlling startup entries.
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Quick Startup -
Best forOpen-source startup entry management
A free, open-source Windows utility for inspecting and controlling startup entries.
- Startup inspection
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit StartupManager -
Best forReal-time startup change monitoring
A portable Windows utility for real-time startup alerts and entry control.
- Portable edition
- Startup inspection
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forPaid startup blocking and delays
A focused Windows startup manager with paid blocking, filtering, delays, and backups.
- Startup delay
- Startup inspection
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit StartupStar -
Best forFocused registry and folder startup control
A focused, free startup manager for Windows registry keys and startup folders.
- Startup inspection
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit ZStartup -
Best forReliable application startup as Windows services
A focused Windows service manager for keeping background applications running reliably.
- Startup delay
- Service control
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit AlwaysUp -
Best forProfessional application-to-service startup
A focused Windows service manager for automatic starts, monitoring, recovery, and control.
- Startup delay
- Startup inspection
- Service control
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit FireDaemon -
Best forOpen-source service-based application startup
A focused Windows service wrapper for developers and administrators deploying background applications.
- Startup delay
- Service control
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit WinSW -
Best forCommand-line service startup automation
A free, service-focused choice for running Windows applications reliably.
- Service control
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit NSSM -
Best forAdvanced Windows service administration
A free Windows utility for detailed service control, monitoring, and remote administration.
- Startup inspection
- Service control
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit Service+
AutoRun Manager Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to AutoRun Manager?
Autoruns: #1 in our Startup Manager Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.4 out of 10. A free, detailed Windows tool for auditing and controlling startup activity.
Is there a free alternative to AutoRun Manager?
Yes. Autoruns, Autorun Organizer, HiBit Startup Manager, BootRacer and WhatInStartup have a free plan or a free tier (12 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for AutoRun Manager alternatives?
Runs only on Windows; Requires an administrator command prompt; Command-line operation may not suit users seeking a graphical interface.
How do I switch from AutoRun Manager?
Export your data from AutoRun Manager (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel AutoRun Manager.
How to Switch from AutoRun Manager
- Export your data from AutoRun Manager (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel AutoRun Manager.
AutoRun Manager vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Startup delay | Service control | Startup inspection | Windows support | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | AutoRun Manager | Yes | Free | Yes | 8.3 | |||
| 1 | Autoruns | Yes | Free | 9.4 | ||||
| 2 | Autorun Organizer | Yes | Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Windows 7 to 11 | 9.2 |
| 3 | HiBit Startup Manager | Yes | Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Windows 7 to 11 | 9.0 |
| 4 | BootRacer | Yes | $99.95/device/yr | Yes | Yes | Yes | Windows 7 to 11 | 8.8 |
| 5 | WhatInStartup | Yes | Free | Yes | Other | 8.6 | ||
| 6 | Quick Startup | Yes | Free | Windows 10 and 11 | 8.4 | |||
| 7 | StartupManager | Yes | Free | No | No | Yes | 8.1 | |
| 8 | SterJo Startup Patrol | Yes | Free | Yes | Other | 7.9 | ||
| 9 | StartupStar | No | €29.95 one-time | Yes | Yes | Windows 7 to 11 | 7.8 | |
| 10 | ZStartup | Yes | Free | Yes | Windows 10 and 11 | 7.7 | ||
| 11 | AlwaysUp | No | $37.49/device one-time | Yes | Yes | Windows 10 and 11 | 7.6 | |
| 12 | FireDaemon Pro | No | $75/device one-time | Yes | Yes | Yes | Windows 7 to 11 | 7.5 |
| 13 | WinSW | Free | Yes | Yes | Other | 7.4 | ||
| 14 | NSSM | Free | No | Yes | Other | 7.3 | ||
| 15 | Service+ | Yes | Free | Yes | Yes | Windows 7 to 11 | 7.2 |
Head-to-Head
- AutoRun Manager vs Autoruns
- AutoRun Manager vs Autorun Organizer
- AutoRun Manager vs HiBit Startup Manager
- AutoRun Manager vs BootRacer
- AutoRun Manager vs WhatInStartup
- AutoRun Manager vs Quick Startup
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update