Yesterday, Microsoft released a new version of Autoruns. This is a tool which tracks down all of the programs, drivers, toolbars, add-ons and other programs which are configured to run automatically when you start Windows or log into your PC. Being written by one of the world's most knowledgeable people about the intricacies of Windows, it's pretty much guaranteed to be able to track down all the relevant programs, regardless of which folders or registry entries they get loaded from.
Not only can you view every relevant file, you can also check it for viruses in a single click. The right-click option gives you the opportunity to instantly submit the file to VirusTotal, where it gets scanned with all of the industry's leading products. The result is then displayed within the Autoruns tool.
You'll find Autoruns at https://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx and it's a 0.5 MB download which should be compatible with all recent versions of Windows. It's portable, so there's nothing to install. The program is malware-free according to VirusTotal and Web of Trust.
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Comments
Sysinternals' AutoRuns and Process Explorer are essential tools, IMHO; I put them on every Windows box I service (VirusTotal was incorporated into ProcExp with v.16.05).
As it is an exceedingly powerful tool, those unfamiliar with AutoRuns should tread very carefully. Indeed, to be on the safe side, novices would be well advised to set a Restore Point before deselecting anything set to start with Windows; like a parachute, it's something one is glad to have - and hopes never to need. Reading a tutorial (or two) is also highly recommended.
Those of about thirty-five years of age and older may remember a cheerful fellow from television commercials named Victor Kiam who liked Remington electric razors so much that he bought the company. That's pretty much what happened to Sysinternals.
Originally begun in 1996 by Bryce Cogswell and Mark Russinovich, Sysinternals (formally Winternals Software, LP) was acquired by Microsoft in 2006. Though Cogswell retired in 2010, we are all very fortunate that Russinovich has remained on board and continues to develop their exceptional utilities.
Thanks Rob for advising about this update.
I have been using Autoruns for years.
It is excellent and portable!
Regards
Peter