StartupManager
StartupManager is a free command-line utility for viewing and managing programs that launch with Windows.
What StartupManager is
StartupManager is a free command-line utility for viewing and managing programs that launch with Windows. Its list command displays startup applications, with a detailed option showing paths and arguments. Users can enable or disable entries by name or list index. The add command guides users through specifying a program path and arguments, whether it should run with administrator settings, and whether it applies to all users. Removal can delete a startup registry entry, scheduled task, or shortcut, with an option to skip confirmation. For programs launched through Task Scheduler, a priority command offers settings from Idle to Realtime, including BelowNormal, Normal, AboveNormal, and High. The project describes its purpose as managing Windows startup programs, and its README recommends installation through Scoop using the maker’s bucket. StartupManager uses the MIT License, whose terms permit use, modification, distribution, sublicensing, and sale subject to its conditions. The license also provides the software as is, without warranty. The changelog says version 1.6.4 updated the project to .NET 10.
Good
- Lists startup programs and can show paths and arguments
- Enables or disables entries by name or list index
- Adds programs with administrator and all-user options
- Removes registry entries, tasks, or shortcuts
- Sets Task Scheduler priority from Idle to Realtime
Watch out
- Command-line tool rather than a graphical interface
- Windows only
- License provides the software without warranty
Who it suits
It suits Windows users who want command-line controls for inspecting and changing startup programs. It is also relevant to users managing startup items through Task Scheduler.
Verdict
StartupManager covers common startup-item management tasks, including Task Scheduler priority changes. It is a focused option for users comfortable with command-line operation.
The facts
Each one read from StartupManager's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Add programs
- The add command can guide users through adding a program, including its path, arguments, administrator setting, and whether it applies to all users.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Enable and disable
- Users can enable or disable startup programs by name or list index.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Install method
- The README recommends installing through Scoop using the maker’s bucket.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- The project describes its purpose as viewing, adding, enabling, disabling, and removing programs that start with Windows.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The project uses the MIT License, which permits use, modification, distribution, sublicensing, and sale subject to its stated conditions.checked 4 Oct 2026
- List startup items
- The list command shows startup applications, and its detailed option adds paths and arguments.checked 4 Oct 2026
- List startup programs
- The list command shows startup applications and can display their paths and arguments in detailed mode.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- StartupManager is a command-line tool for managing programs that start with Windows.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Remove programs
- The remove command deletes a startup registry entry, task, or shortcut, and supports skipping confirmation with an option.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Runtime update
- The changelog says version 1.6.4 updated the project to .NET 10.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Task Scheduler
- For Task Scheduler startup programs, users can set a priority from Idle through Realtime.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Task Scheduler priority
- The set-priority command sets a Task Scheduler startup program’s priority to Idle, BelowNormal, Normal, AboveNormal, High, or Realtime.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Warranty
- The MIT license states that the software is provided as is without warranty.checked 4 Oct 2026
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