StartupStar review
A focused Windows startup manager with paid blocking, filtering, delays, and backups.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
StartupStar is a Windows utility for controlling programs that launch with the operating system. It suits users who want more than a simple startup list, particularly those who need to inspect entries, prevent unwanted launches, or delay programs until after startup. The product supports Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11, and has been available since 1994. Its scope is deliberately focused on startup management rather than broader system administration.
The Full Version costs €29.95 as a one-time purchase and includes startup entry management, delay controls, an autostart firewall, free email support, advertising-free use, and at least six months of free updates. A 30-day trial is available, but there is no free plan. The autostart firewall is the standout control: it warns about newly installed startup entries and can block unwanted entries. Users can also add programs to the startup list, search entries, filter them by status, and create a backup of the startup configuration.
StartupStar is a good fit for Windows users who want explicit controls over what launches, when it launches, and whether new startup entries should be allowed. The combination of inspection, filtering, delay rules, blocking, and configuration backup gives it useful depth for this narrow task. It is less suitable for people who need a free utility, support for another operating system, or a wider system-management suite. Buyers should also note that the product is centered on startup entries, so it is best chosen for controlling launch behavior rather than managing every type of Windows background activity.
StartupStar pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Blocks, delays, activates, or deactivates startup entries
- Autostart firewall warns about and blocks unwanted entries
- Backs up startup configuration and includes entry filtering
- Where it doesn't
- Windows-only, supporting Windows 7 through 11
- No free plan after the 30-day trial
- Paid license required for continued use
StartupStar fact sheet, pricing and score →
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