Regardless of which version you choose, the functionality remains the same: Which autoruns executable to use? - Microsoft Q&A
autoruns64.exe is the designed version for standard 64-bit x86-64 processors, which are found in almost all modern Intel and AMD-powered desktops, laptops, and workstations 1.2.3 . x64 (Intel/AMD)
Additionally, the archive includes command-line counterparts ( autorunsc.exe , autorunsc64.exe , autorunsc64a.exe ) for scripting and automation.
Use autoruns64.exe . The ARM64 build on x64 Windows – you’ll get an “invalid Win32 application” error. autoruns 64 vs autoruns 64a
If you execute the x64 version on a modern ARM64 device running Windows 11, the operating system invokes its built-in emulation engine (Prism or WOW64). While the tool will successfully launch and function, it operates under an .
: The 'a' in Autoruns 64a stands for "alternate". Autoruns 64a processes executable paths through the Windows API (Application Programming Interface), which handles the executable image path searching rules a bit differently. Specifically, when searching for the executable path given a partial path or only the executable name, Windows checks the application's directory before searching the PATH environment variable. The Autoruns 64a version emulates this behavior.
: The 32-bit version for older x86 systems. It often acts as a "launcher" that can automatically detect a 64-bit system and pivot to the appropriate version. Regardless of which version you choose, the functionality
They are not version upgrades; they are parallel builds for different CPU architectures. Both receive updates simultaneously when Mark Russinovich releases a new version (e.g., v14.10, v14.11).
To ensure that system administrators have the same deep-level diagnostic capabilities on ARM hardware without relying on software emulation, Microsoft updated the Sysinternals suite to include native ARM64 builds. This is why you will see the "64a" naming convention across other Sysinternals tools as well, such as ProcessExplorer64a.exe .
The "a" means ARM, not AMD. For AMD64 (Intel/AMD 64-bit), you use autoruns64.exe . Use autoruns64
Press Windows Key + Pause/Break (or go to Settings > System > About ) and check the System type . If it says "x64-based processor": Run autoruns64.exe . If it says "ARM-based processor": Run autoruns64a.exe .
When you download the Sysinternals Autoruns suite, you will find several executable files in the folder. The choice between autoruns64.exe autoruns64a.exe depends entirely on your computer's processor architecture Microsoft Learn Key Differences autoruns64.exe : This is the standard 64-bit version designed for Intel or AMD
If you need to use the command-line version, you typically use it to generate reports. For example, to export all entries to a text file, you would open a terminal and run: autoruns64a.exe -a > startup_report.txt Note on other versions Autoruns.exe : The 32-bit GUI version. Autorunsc.exe
The primary difference between autoruns64.exe and autoruns64a.exe is the they are compiled to support: autoruns64.exe targets 64-bit Intel and AMD (x64) processors, while autoruns64a.exe targets 64-bit ARM (ARM64) processors.
Understanding the technical differences between these two files is essential for optimizing system performance, troubleshooting startup errors, and managing malware removal effectively. The Short Answer