ZStartup
ZStartup is a free Windows utility for managing programs configured to launch at startup.
What ZStartup is
ZStartup is a free Windows utility for managing programs configured to launch at startup. It displays HKCU and HKLM Run and RunOnce registry keys, along with shortcuts in user and system startup folders. Search and filters narrow entries by source, scope, and enabled, disabled, or broken status. Users can add startup programs, and deleting an entry gives a 5.5-second undo window with a toast notification. The app detects whether it has administrator access and can restart with elevated privileges; admin access unlocks system-level entries and HKLM keys. Its maker says the app has no telemetry and that the self-contained installers need no .NET, WebView2 installation, or runtime. Built with Tauri and Rust and a React interface, the open-source project is MIT licensed. It offers MSI and NSIS installers, and the maker's page links to its GitHub repository. The listed release supports Windows 10 and 11 on x64.
Good
- Shows registry entries and startup-folder shortcuts.
- Filters by source, scope, and entry status.
- Deleted entries have a 5.5-second undo window.
- No .NET, WebView2 installation, or runtime required.
Watch out
- Supports only Windows 10 and 11 on x64.
- System-level entries require administrator access.
Who it suits
ZStartup suits Windows 10 or 11 users who want to inspect and manage startup programs from registry keys and startup folders. It is also relevant to users who need administrator access to manage system-level entries.
Verdict
ZStartup brings registry and startup-folder entries into one Windows utility, with filters, add controls, and an undo window for deletion. It is free and open source, but the listed release is limited to Windows 10 and 11 on x64.
Plans and prices
From ZStartup's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Windows 10 / 11 · x64 |
The facts
Each one read from ZStartup's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Add entries
- Users can add a new startup program from the app.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Administrator access
- The app detects its elevation level and can restart with administrator privileges; admin access unlocks system-level entries and HKLM keys.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limit
- The listed release supports Windows 10 and 11 on x64.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Distribution and license
- The project is open source under the MIT License and offers MSI and NSIS Windows installers.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker describes ZStartup as having no telemetry.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ZStartup manages programs that launch at Windows startup, including registry entries and startup folders.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Registry control
- It displays and manages HKCU and HKLM Run and RunOnce startup keys.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Runtime
- The maker says the installers are self-contained and require no .NET, WebView2 installation, or runtime.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Safe deletion
- Deleted entries have a 5.5-second undo window with a toast notification.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Search and filters
- Users can search and filter entries by source, scope, and enabled, disabled, or broken status.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Startup folders
- It detects shortcuts in user and system startup folders alongside registry entries.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker's page links to the project's GitHub repository.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Technology
- ZStartup is built with Tauri and Rust, with a React interface.checked 8 Oct 2026
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