Autoruns

Autoruns displays everything that runs automatically when Windows starts — and we mean everything. It displays location, association, and order of autorun entries in boot and log-in sequences, including Registry keys and other locations, such as shell menu extensions and browser helper objects. It can disable unneeded items for faster, smoother system booting.

PROS

Microsoft: Since it’s freeware from Microsoft Sysinternals, you can be sure Autoruns is safe to use and fully compatible with Windows.

Many choices: Autoruns offers a high degree of specificity in its 19 category tabs; for example, Codecs, Winsock Providers, KnownDLLs, LSA Providers, Image Hijack, Sidebar Gadgets, Scheduled Tasks, and Logon — even Everything.

Scan options: We could set Autoruns to scan only per-use locations, verify code signatures, and check results online.

CONS

Busy layout: The multiple rows of tabs on many Microsoft dialogs can be visually crowded and annoying to click through. Autoruns has 19 tabs spread over three rows in its default size. Each tab has its own icon and label, too, adding to the bustle.

Use with care: Autoruns is a powerful tool that can disable the wrong things if you let it, so use it with care. You can prevent accidents by hiding Microsoft and Windows entries on the Options menu.

BOTTOM LINE

Autoruns is much more complex than the startup managers typically included in Windows utility bundles, and casual users may find it daunting. But in experienced hands, few startup managers can match it.