Systems administrators executing remote command line audits. ARM64 (64-bit ARM) Command-Line (CLI)
If you are unsure whether your computer runs an Intel/AMD chip or an ARM chip, you can quickly verify your architecture directly within Windows: Open your menu (shortcut: Win + I ). Navigate to System , then click on About . Locate the System type field under Device Specifications.
Thus, autoruns.exe (32-bit), autoruns64.exe , and later autoruns64a.exe were born.
This executable targets the (often abbreviated as x64). This is the standard 64-bit computing platform used by almost all modern AMD and Intel processors. If you are running Windows 10 or Windows 11 on a standard desktop computer, gaming rig, or standard laptop, this is the version you need. What is Autoruns64a.exe? autoruns 64 vs autoruns 64a
Because these tools run with high privileges to modify system startup behavior, it is critical to use the version that matches your hardware to avoid emulation overhead or potential errors in driver reporting.
Paul Jackson 26. Feb 12, 2021, 3:23 AM. Hello, The Sysinternals Autoruns utility includes multiple executable files: autoruns.exe, Microsoft Learn
If you try to run the "a" version on a standard Intel or AMD machine, it will likely fail with a "Not a valid Win32 application" error. What About Autoruns.exe (The Standard Version)? The standard Autoruns.exe is the original 32-bit binary. Systems administrators executing remote command line audits
Build a cross-architecture triage kit:
: 32-bit GUI version. (Use only on 32-bit Windows). autorunsc.exe : 32-bit command-line version. autorunsc64.exe : 64-bit command-line version (for x64). autorunsc64a.exe : 64-bit command-line version (for ARM64).
If you inadvertently launch autoruns64a.exe on a standard Intel or AMD machine, Windows will immediately block the execution and return a generic error stating that the file is not a valid Win32 application . Locate the System type field under Device Specifications
Autoruns 64 is the original 64-bit version of Autoruns. It is designed to run on 64-bit Windows systems and provides a comprehensive view of all startup entries. When run on a 64-bit system, Autoruns 64 uses the Windows API (Application Programming Interface) to gather information about startup entries.
The choice between Autoruns 64 and Autoruns 64a ultimately depends on specific requirements and environment considerations. Both tools are powerful utilities for managing startup items on Windows systems, but subtle differences can make one more suitable than the other for a particular task.
Running the 64-bit version ( autoruns64 ) on an ARM device might work through emulation, but autoruns64a will run natively, offering better performance and accuracy. Quick Comparison: Autoruns64 vs Autoruns64a Autoruns64.exe Autoruns64a.exe Architecture x64 (AMD64/Intel64) Processor Type Standard Intel/AMD ARM/Qualcomm Snapdragon Target System Typical PC/Laptop Surface Pro X, ARM Laptops Performance Native on x64 Native on ARM64 How to Choose the Right One?