WhatInStartup 1.35

WhatInStartup 1.35

NirSoft – Freeware – Windows
Latest Version
1.35
Safe to install

Unlock the Secrets of Your Startup's Processes with WhatInStartup

Peter Salakani

WhatInStartup by NirSoft provides a comprehensive view of your startup's running processes, helping entrepreneurs optimize their applications and troubleshoot issues effectively.
image/svg+xml 2024 Editor's Rating

WhatInStartup by NirSoft: A Comprehensive Review

WhatInStartup by NirSoft is a robust application designed for Windows users who seek to delve into the details of the startup programs and services on their operating system. This utility aids users in comprehensively understanding what gets loaded when their computer starts, thereby allowing them to manage their startup items more effectively. This review will explore the features, functionality, and usability of WhatInStartup, giving potential users a clear understanding of its capabilities.

Key Features

  • Detailed Information: WhatInStartup provides users with extensive information about each startup item, including its name, publisher, version, and location. The detailed information aids users in identifying which applications are necessary and which can be removed or disabled.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The application boasts a clean and straightforward interface that makes it easy for users to navigate through the various startup items. Each item is well-categorized, helping users quickly find what they need.
  • Startup Group Management: Users have the option to group startup items into categories for easier management. This organization helps in understanding dependencies and relationships between different startup processes.
  • Disable/Enable Startup Items: With just a few clicks, users can enable or disable specific startup items directly from the interface. This feature allows for quick modifications without needing to intervene in the Windows registry or other system settings.
  • Online Lookup Feature: WhatInStartup enables users to conduct online searches for any startup item directly from the interface. This function provides additional context about unfamiliar applications, such as safety concerns or resource usage.
  • Backup and Restore Options: Users can create backup files of their current startup configuration. In case of any issues after modifications, restoring previous settings is seamless and user-friendly.

System Requirements

WhatInStartup is built for Windows operating systems, compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Since it is a lightweight application, system requirements are minimal. It should function smoothly on any modern Windows PC without significantly affecting performance.

Installation Process

The installation process for WhatInStartup is straightforward. Users download the application from the NirSoft website where it is readily accessible without complicated installations or registration processes. Once downloaded, it can be run directly from the extracted folder, further simplifying access for users who prefer portable applications.

User Experience

Upon launching WhatInStartup, users are greeted with a simple layout that quickly presents them with their startup configuration. The main screen features a grid view displaying important information about each item: name, type, publisher, version, and path. Such transparent data presentation reduces confusion when deciding which items to modify.

The ability to filter and search through various items ensures efficient management. Additionally, advanced options cater to power users seeking in-depth analytics on system performance regarding startup processes.

Security Considerations

When managing startup applications, security is paramount. WhatInStartup allows users to research unknown applications via its online lookup feature, effectively preventing malware disguise as legitimate programs from persisting in the startup sequence. However, as with any tool that modifies system configurations, users should approach changes with caution and perform due diligence when disabling or removing items.

Comparative Analysis

Compared to other startup management tools available in the market, WhatInStartup stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness. While many similar applications offer a myriad of complex features that may overwhelm standard users, WhatInStartup retains an ease-of-use that is appealing to both novice and experienced users alike.

  • Alternatives: Some alternatives include CCleaner’s startup manager feature, Autoruns by Sysinternals, and Startup Delayer. However, they may come with additional functionalities that could be unnecessary for those purely seeking simple item management.

Pros and Cons

  1. Pros:
    • User-friendly interface that is easy to navigate.
    • No installation required; can run directly from a folder.
    • Diverse management abilities including disabling/enabling items.
    • Comprehensive online lookup for additional context on applications.
  2. Cons:
    • Lack of more advanced features found in competitor software.
    • The dependency on internet connectivity for online lookups could be limiting.

WhatInStartup by NirSoft emerges as an excellent utility for those looking to streamline their computer's booting process while maintaining control over their system's performance. Its ease of use combined with essential features makes it a valuable tool for anyone interested in understanding and managing what loads at startup efficiently. With reliable updates from NirSoft ensuring compatibility with new Windows versions, WhatInStartup remains relevant among Windows utilities aimed at improving overall user experience.

Overview

WhatInStartup is a Freeware software in the category System Utilities developed by NirSoft.

The users of our client application UpdateStar have checked WhatInStartup for updates 31 times during the last month.

The latest version of WhatInStartup is 1.35, released on 08/19/2016. It was initially added to our database on 04/12/2009. The most prevalent version is 1, which is used by 100% of all installations.

WhatInStartup runs on the following operating systems: Windows.

WhatInStartup has not been rated by our users yet.

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable application that does not require installation.
  • User-friendly interface that makes navigation easy for users of all levels.
  • Provides detailed information about startup programs, including their paths, types, and whether they are enabled or disabled.
  • Allows users to disable or remove unwanted startup items to improve system boot time and performance.
  • Offers the ability to save the startup list to a text file for documentation or analysis purposes.
  • Regular updates by NirSoft keep the application functioning correctly with the latest Windows updates.

Cons

  • Limited functionality compared to more comprehensive system optimization tools.
  • Interface may appear outdated and lacking modern design elements for some users.
  • No built-in features for analyzing the impact of startup items on system performance.
  • Focuses primarily on Windows startup items, leaving out other areas like services or scheduled tasks.
  • Not suitable for users looking for extensive help or support, as NirSoft typically does not provide customer service.

FAQ

What is WhatInStartup?

WhatInStartup is a utility developed by NirSoft that displays the list of all applications that are configured to automatically run at Windows startup.

How can I use WhatInStartup?

Simply run the WhatInStartup executable (WhatInStartup.exe) and it will display a table with the list of applications configured in the Windows startup.

Can WhatInStartup disable or remove startup entries?

No, WhatInStartup is solely designed to display the list of startup applications. It does not provide options to disable or remove entries from startup.

Does WhatInStartup work on all versions of Windows?

WhatInStartup is compatible with Windows XP and all newer versions of Windows, including Windows 10.

Can I export the list of startup applications from WhatInStartup?

Yes, you can export the startup applications list to various formats, including HTML, XML, CSV, and TXT files.

Is WhatInStartup a free tool?

Yes, WhatInStartup is provided as freeware and can be freely used for personal and commercial purposes.

Can I customize the columns displayed in WhatInStartup?

Yes, you can choose which columns to display by using the 'Select Columns' option in the 'View' menu.

What additional information does WhatInStartup provide for each startup entry?

WhatInStartup provides information such as the file description, company name, file version, product name, product version, and more for each startup application.

Can I sort the startup applications list in WhatInStartup?

Yes, you can sort the list by any column by clicking on the column header. Clicking the same column header twice will reverse the sort order.

Does WhatInStartup support command-line options?

Yes, WhatInStartup supports various command-line options that allow you to perform actions such as exporting, loading a different file, or displaying specific columns.


Peter Salakani

Peter Salakani

I'm Peter, a software reviews author at UpdateStar and content specialist with a keen focus on usability and performance. With a background in both software development and content creation, I bring a unique perspective to evaluating and discussing general software topics. When I'm not reviewing software, I enjoy staying updated on the latest tech trends, experimenting with new applications, and finding innovative solutions to everyday tech challenges.

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