Autoruns 64 — Vs Autoruns 64a

Autoruns64.exe is designed for standard x64 Intel/AMD processors, while autoruns64a.exe is specifically compiled for ARM64 devices. Both are part of the Microsoft Sysinternals suite, with the "a" version targeting ARM-based systems. Read the full details at Microsoft Learn . Which autoruns executable to use? - Microsoft Q&A Paul Jackson 26. Feb 12, 2021, 3:23 AM. Hello, The Sysinternals Autoruns utility includes multiple executable files: autoruns.exe, Microsoft Learn Which Autoruns executable for AMD Radeon 64-bit? - Microsoft Learn

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 processors (x64 architecture). It is the version most users should run on a modern 64-bit Windows PC. autoruns64a.exe : The "a" suffix stands for . This version is specifically built for devices with ARM-based processors, such as the Microsoft Surface Pro X or newer laptops using Snapdragon chips. Microsoft Learn Which one should you use?

Here’s a concise explanation of the difference between Autoruns 64 and Autoruns 64a from Microsoft Sysinternals. The Short Answer

Autoruns64.exe → Native x64 binary Autoruns64a.exe → Runs ARM64 (for devices like Surface Pro X/11, MacBooks with M-series via Windows on ARM) autoruns 64 vs autoruns 64a

Detailed Breakdown | Feature | Autoruns64 | Autoruns64a | |--------|-----------|-------------| | Architecture | x86-64 (AMD64/Intel64) | ARM64 | | OS requirement | Standard 64-bit Windows | Windows on ARM (e.g., ARM-based laptops) | | Can it run on x64? | ✅ Yes, natively | ❌ No (only under emulation, slow) | | Can it run on ARM64? | ❌ No (unless emulated) | ✅ Yes, natively | Why two 64‑bit versions? Microsoft created Autoruns64a when Windows started running on ARM processors.

Autoruns scans deep into the registry, file system, and Windows internals. A native ARM64 version is faster and more reliable than running the x64 version under emulation on ARM hardware.

Which one should you use?

Normal Intel/AMD PC (x64) → Use autoruns64.exe ARM‑based Windows PC (e.g., Surface Pro 9 5G, Lenovo ThinkPad X13s) → Use autoruns64a.exe 32‑bit Windows → Use autoruns.exe (32‑bit version, also works on 64‑bit but less efficient)

How to check your system architecture

Win + R → msinfo32 → Look at System Type Autoruns64

x64-based PC → use Autoruns64 ARM-based PC → use Autoruns64a

Practical note If you run the wrong version: