Autoruns: Take Control of Your Startup Like a Pro

Ever feel like your computer has a mind of its own during startup — programs you didn’t authorize mysteriously opening, slowing your boot time to a crawl? Enter Autoruns by Microsoft Sysinternals, the ultimate startup manager for tech-savvy users who like to run a tighter ship.

Designed to go above and beyond Windows' built-in MSConfig capabilities, Autoruns provides a complete view of everything that starts when your system boots or when you log in. Whether it's obscure services hiding in the depths of your Registry or those browser extensions slowing your morning flow, this tool exposes them all.

What Can You Do With Autoruns?

Here’s a taste of its superpowers:

Full Transparency: See everything set to start automatically during boot, login, or even when you run specific applications like browsers and media players.

Explore Every Corner: Check startup folders, explore Run/RunOnce Registry keys, scan shell extensions, browser helper objects, auto-start services, toolbars, and more.

Tame Bloatware: Easily disable or delete unnecessary and resource-hogging entries to speed up your system’s performance. Let’s say goodbye to those “What is that?” moments when looking over entries.

Focus on Third Parties: The “Hide Signed Microsoft Entries” option allows you to cut the noise and focus on third-party applications in one click.

Multi-Account Insight: Curious about startup items for other user accounts on your system? Autoruns makes that visibility seamless.

Built for Power Users: Prefer the command line? Autoruns’ command-line equivalent, Autorunsc, lets you script the process and export results in CSV for further analysis.

Why Autoruns Is Worth the Download

Not only does Autoruns uncover programs lurking in unexpected places (we’re looking at you, browser toolbar add-ons), but it also empowers users to clean things up with precision. Feel unsure about an unfamiliar startup entry? Use its seamless file properties view or send it for inspection on VirusTotal for extra peace of mind.

Yes, the interface could feel "busy," especially with its 19 tabs of pure power, but it doesn't get much better for those who want unparalleled control. Just tread carefully—disable the wrong startup entry, and your system might throw a tantrum. Thankfully, with its options to hide Microsoft-signed items and filter results, Autoruns makes it easier to stay safe.

Geek Verdict

Autoruns isn’t just a startup manager; it’s the startup manager, essential for power users, repair technicians, or anyone who thrives on knowing—and controlling—exactly what their computer is doing. Whether you're a performance optimizer, security sleuth, or just want to stop an annoying app launching every time you boot up, download Autoruns today and reclaim control.

It's a must-have for tech-savvy users who value insight and control. Download it for free, and prepare to be shocked by how many programs sneak into your startup sequence!

Note: A portable version is also available.


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