Autoruns is a free diagnostic utility from Microsoft's Sysinternals suite, originally created by Mark Russinovich and Bryce Cogswell. It goes far beyond the Startup tab in Task Manager by showing every location Windows can launch software from automatically, including registry Run keys, services, drivers, scheduled tasks and browser helper objects, in one sortable list. It's widely used by IT technicians and advanced users to track down malware persistence and clean up unwanted startup clutter.
Autoruns vs. Task Manager's Startup Tab
Task Manager's Startup tab only shows programs launching from a handful of common registry keys and the Startup folder. Autoruns checks dozens of additional autostart locations, including services, drivers, scheduled tasks, Winlogon entries and browser extensions, which is why security responders reach for it when investigating persistence mechanisms that Task Manager simply doesn't surface.
Autoruns Features
- Comprehensive Autostart Scan — lists entries from dozens of registry and file-system autostart locations
- Digital Signature Verification — flags unsigned or unverified entries for quick suspicion triage
- VirusTotal Integration — can check entries against VirusTotal directly from the interface
- Disable Without Deleting — unchecks an entry to disable it while keeping the ability to re-enable later
- Autorunsc Command-Line Version — a scriptable console version for automation and remote use
- Filter by Category — narrows the view to logon items, services, drivers, tasks and browser add-ons
- Comparison Mode — save and compare scan results over time to spot new autostart entries
How to Install Autoruns on Windows
- Download the ZIP from the official link on this page or Microsoft's Sysinternals site (learn.microsoft.com).
- Extract the ZIP file to a folder of your choice; no installer is required.
- Run Autoruns.exe (or Autoruns64.exe on 64-bit systems) and accept the Sysinternals license prompt on first launch.
- Let the initial scan finish, then review entries by tab, such as Logon, Services or Scheduled Tasks.
- Uncheck an entry to disable it rather than deleting it, in case you need to re-enable it later.
Is Autoruns really free?
Free. Autoruns is a free tool distributed by Microsoft as part of the Sysinternals Suite; it isn't open source, but there is no paid version or license fee.
How to download Autoruns safely
Use the request button on this page and we will email you the current link for learn.microsoft.com — the publisher's own website — so you receive the authentic build. We do not host, mirror, patch or repackage this software in any way.
Avoid third-party "download manager" sites offering Autoruns. They commonly wrap the genuine installer in their own bundler, which is how adware and browser hijackers get onto a machine that the user believed was clean.
Alternatives to Autoruns
Other free system utilities software worth comparing before you decide:
Process Explorer
Advanced Task Manager replacement showing detailed process info.
CCleaner
Junk-file cleaner with a basic startup manager.
Frequently asked questions
Is Autoruns safe to use?
Yes, it's an official Microsoft Sysinternals tool. It only reports and toggles autostart entries; it doesn't make changes on its own without you unchecking or deleting something.
Does disabling an entry in Autoruns delete it?
No, unchecking an entry disables it while leaving it in place, so you can re-enable it later if needed.
Is there a portable version of Autoruns?
Yes, Autoruns ships as a standalone executable in a ZIP file and requires no installation.
Can Autoruns detect malware?
It can help surface suspicious or unsigned autostart entries and even check them against VirusTotal, but it's a diagnostic tool, not an antivirus scanner.
Is there a command-line version of Autoruns?
Yes, Autorunsc.exe is a command-line equivalent included in the same download, useful for scripting and remote systems.
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