Startup Sentinel is a portable startup programs manager for Microsoft Windows devices. The program is developed by KC Softwares, best known for the software update monitor SUMO.
Startup Sentinel is provided as a portable application. Just download the archive on the official KC Softwares website and extract it on your system. Launch the program, and you get a list of programs that run on startup.
The list does not include all startup programs; it focuses on third-party applications that get launched on startup.
Each program is displayed with its name, the command that is executed on startup, and its location, which usually is found in the Windows Registry.
Four main actions are displayed at the bottom of the screen:
- Add to Whitelist — to allow a program to run at startup.
- Add to Blacklist — to disable it and make sure that it does not add itself again, e.g. during program updates.
- Remove — removes the startup entry.
- Run now — runs the program.
Startup Sentinel supports a fifth option, but it is not listed under actions. When you right-click on an entry, you get an option to search for the program name using Google Search using the default web browser of the system. While you can do that manually as well, using any browser and search engine you like, some may like the integrated function, especially if they use Google Search for research.
Positive
- Startup Sentinel is a portable program that you can run without installation.
- The program features a blacklist option to prevent that it gets activated again
Negative
- Whitelist and blacklist are not explained properly.
- The program does not cover all autorun locations.
Alternatives to Web Archives
- Windows Task Manager — Built-into Windows, but more limited in all regards. Still, may be sufficient for a quick toggling of programs.
- Autoruns — The granddaddy of all autostart managers. Most extensive program, portable, lightweight, and with Virustotal integration.
Closing Words
Startup Sentinel is a straightforward program for Windows to manage autostart entries. The program’s main feature is its blacklist option to block programs from running at startup and from adding themselves again to the startup list.
The program is barebones otherwise. It could use help tooltips that explain the main actions better, and support for additional locations.
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