Autoruns Tool: Manage Startup Programs & Add-ons - Guide
Managing Startup Applications with Autoruns
As more software is installed on a computer, the number of startup programs can increase, potentially slowing down boot times and consuming system memory.
The Autoruns utility, developed by Sysinternals, provides a comprehensive view of all startup items, including applications, services, explorer add-ons, drivers, and scheduled tasks. This tool is exceptionally useful for centralized management, and also offers a unique troubleshooting capability.
Overview
Upon launching the application, a window displaying a wealth of data is presented to the user.
A right-click on any entry allows for online searches to determine its function, deletion (exercise caution), or direct access to the corresponding registry key via the "Jump to" option.
When diagnosing issues potentially caused by third-party components, the "Hide Microsoft Entries" function can be employed. This filters the list to display only non-Microsoft software, which is particularly helpful when troubleshooting problems with Internet Explorer and its add-ons.
Utilizing the Compare Feature
A particularly valuable feature is the "Compare" option, which allows tracking of newly added items that may be impacting system performance.
Initially, it's recommended to save the Autoruns file when the computer is operating optimally, such as immediately after a fresh installation.
After installing software, or when a noticeable slowdown occurs, the Compare function can be used. Select the saved file (using dated filenames for easy identification) to initiate the comparison.
Autoruns will then highlight new entries in the list with a bright green color. Items that have been removed are not displayed, as the focus is on identifying the additions contributing to performance degradation.
It's important to note that the illustrated icon represents Mozy, and this serves as a demonstration. Mozy is a highly recommended automated internet backup solution.
Running this tool immediately following a clean Windows installation is advisable, establishing a baseline for future comparisons when performance issues arise.
Download Autoruns from Microsoft.com
An article regarding Autoruns was also published by Mysticgeek last week.