Autoruns
Autoruns: A free, highly detailed Windows tool for analyzing and controlling startup behavior. Ranked #38 of 97 in PC Optimization Software by our editors (5.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for advanced users managing Windows startup entries.
At a glance
- Editor score5.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forAdvanced users managing Windows startup entries
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Junk cleanupNo
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Inspects registry, services, drivers, scheduled tasks, and startup folders
- Verifies signatures and supports optional VirusTotal checks
- Includes Autorunsc with CSV and XML output options
Where it doesn't
- Focused on auto-start management rather than junk cleanup
- Does not provide driver updates or scheduled maintenance
- Supports Windows only
Our verdict on Autoruns
Autoruns is a free Windows utility from Microsoft Sysinternals for inspecting and managing programs, drivers, services, and other components that start during boot, login, or application launch. It is aimed at advanced users who need visibility into startup behavior across registry keys, startup folders, scheduled tasks, Explorer add-ons, Winlogon entries, codecs, and other auto-start locations. Users can filter entries, inspect properties, navigate to configuration locations, and disable or delete selected entries.
The published Free plan has no charge for Sysinternals tools and no limit on installations for supported devices. Autoruns also connects with VirusTotal for optional checks and integrates with Process Explorer. Its filtering separates Microsoft-signed and non-Windows entries, while digital-signature verification helps users examine the identity of auto-start components. The included Autorunsc command-line utility adds CSV and XML output options for structured reporting and administrative workflows.
Its main strength is specialized startup analysis rather than general PC maintenance. Autoruns can show auto-start images for different user accounts, disable entries by clearing checkboxes, delete auto-start configuration entries, and open their Registry or file-system locations. It does not provide junk cleanup, driver updates, scheduled maintenance, or restore points, so users seeking an all-purpose optimization suite should consider a different tool. Choose Autoruns when detailed Windows startup visibility and control are the priority; avoid it when automated cleanup or broader maintenance features matter more.
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Autoruns pricing
Autoruns fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Junk cleanup | No |
| Startup manager | Yes |
| Driver updates | Not verified |
| Scheduled maintenance | Not verified |
| Windows support | Not verified |
| Device limit | Not verified |
| Restore-point tools | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | learn.microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Autoruns
- Microsoft PC ManagerA broad free toolkit for routine Windows cleanup, health checks, and maintenance.9.4
- CCleanerA mature PC cleaner with broad maintenance tools and a useful free plan.9.3
- Advanced SystemCareA broad Windows optimizer with a capable free plan and one-device scope.9.2
See all Autoruns alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Autoruns is ranked in 12 of our directories; the 6 strongest besides PC Optimization Software.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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