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.
You would use this on hardware like the Surface Pro 9 (5G), Lenovo ThinkPad X13s, or other laptops featuring Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.
Interestingly, if you run the 32-bit autoruns.exe on a 64-bit system, it is designed to detect your architecture and can automatically launch the 64-bit version for you. autoruns 64 vs autoruns 64a
While ARM-based Windows devices can often emulate x86 or x64 software, running the native ARM version is more efficient and ensures the tool correctly reads architecture-specific startup locations.
The "" in Autoruns64a.exe stands for ARM . This version is built specifically for devices running on ARM64 processors. If you try to run the "a" version
Devices with ARM processors, like the Microsoft Surface Pro (ARM) or certain tablets.
Because it is compiled specifically for 64-bit Intel/AMD systems, it runs natively without needing any emulation. You would use this on hardware like the
When you download the Sysinternals Autoruns package, you’ll notice several different executable files. Choosing between and Autoruns64a.exe depends entirely on your computer's processor architecture. Quick Comparison: Which One Should You Run? Executable Architecture Autoruns64.exe x64 (AMD64/Intel 64) Most modern desktop and laptop PCs. Autoruns64a.exe ARM64
If you are on a standard 64-bit Windows PC, this is the version you should use. Understanding Autoruns64a.exe
is the standard version designed for the x64 architecture , which powers the vast majority of Windows computers using Intel or AMD processors.