Overview

Autoruns Free Download – Comprehensive Startup Program Manager

Autoruns is a free utility from Microsoft Sysinternals that shows you everything that is configured to run at system startup or login. It has the most comprehensive knowledge of auto-starting locations of any startup monitor, reporting on Explorer shell extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications, auto-start services, and much more. This article provides a comprehensive guide to downloading, installing, and using Autoruns.

What is Autoruns?

Autoruns is a startup program manager developed by Mark Russinovich at Microsoft Sysinternals. It is available for Windows and is part of the Sysinternals Suite. The latest version is 14.3, published in June 2026. Autoruns is a freeware utility that can be used for both personal and business purposes without any licensing costs.

Autoruns shows you what programs are configured to run during system bootup or login, and when you start various built-in Windows applications like Internet Explorer, Explorer, and media players. These programs and drivers include ones in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys. Autoruns reports Explorer shell extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications, auto-start services, and much more.

Key Features of Autoruns

Comprehensive Startup Reporting

Autoruns reports on all auto-starting locations including login entries, Explorer add-ons, Internet Explorer add-ons (including BHOs), AppInit DLLs, image hijacks, boot execute images, Winlogon notification DLLs, Windows services and Winsock Layered Service Providers, media codecs, and more.

Hide Signed Microsoft Entries

The "Hide Signed Microsoft Entries" option helps you focus on third-party auto-start entries added to your system. This makes it easy to spot potentially unwanted programs.

Jump to Entry

Navigate to the Registry or file system location of an auto-start entry by selecting it and using the "Jump to Entry" menu item.

Enable/Disable Entries

Disable auto-start entries by unchecking their checkbox. Delete auto-start configuration entries using the Delete menu item or toolbar button.

VirusTotal Integration

Autoruns can check file hashes against VirusTotal for malware detection. Enable this feature in the Scan Options dialog.

Command-Line Version (Autorunsc)

The download package includes Autorunsc, a command-line version that can output CSV format for automation and scripting.

How to Download Autoruns

Autoruns can be downloaded from the Microsoft Sysinternals website.

Installation Guide

Windows Usage (No Installation Required)

1. Download the Autoruns ZIP from Microsoft Sysinternals
2. Extract the ZIP to a folder of your choice
3. Run Autoruns.exe (32-bit) or Autoruns64.exe (64-bit)
4. Autoruns will scan and display all auto-start entries
5. Uncheck entries to disable them, or use Delete to remove them

Command-Line Usage (Autorunsc)

1. Run Autorunsc.exe in a command prompt
2. Use -a to select auto-start categories (e.g., -a * for all)
3. Use -c to output CSV format
4. Redirect output to a file for analysis: autorunsc -a * -c > autoruns.csv

Why Choose Autoruns?

Autoruns is the most comprehensive startup program manager available for Windows. It far exceeds other auto-start utilities in the depth of its reporting, covering every conceivable auto-start location. Developed by Microsoft Sysinternals and trusted by IT professionals worldwide, Autoruns is an essential tool for troubleshooting slow boot times, removing malware, and auditing system configuration.

For system administrators who need to document startup configurations, the PDF Converter can help convert reports to PDF. The JSON Formatter is useful for organizing CSV output data.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 7/8/10/11, Windows Server
• Processor: Any modern processor
• Memory: 128MB RAM minimum
• Disk Space: 3 MB for installation
• Privileges: Administrator access recommended for full functionality

Alternatives to Autoruns

Other startup managers include Windows Task Manager (built-in, limited) and CCleaner's Startup Manager (part of CCleaner). Autoruns' comprehensive coverage of all auto-start locations makes it the best choice for users who need to thoroughly audit what runs on their system.

Conclusion

Autoruns is the most comprehensive startup program manager, offering unrivaled visibility into everything that runs at boot and login. Download Autoruns today and take full control of your system startup.