WinOptimizer

Both normal applications and the operating system itself use the auto-launch facilities provided by Windows® to load programs that they genuinely need – this is why these facilities were created in the first place. Thus it is a good idea to be pretty sure you know what a program is before you deactivate or delete it. This is important especially for programs that are part of Windows®.

Start the module

When you start the StartUp Tuner it automatically displays a list of all auto-start programs on your system. Here you can find out which programs are supposed to auto-start, which actually do start on startup and a short description of the program. An innovation of the Ashampoo WinOptimizer 9 is the additional rating system (see below).

Keeping track of things

A system that is used for a while and in lots of different ways can accumulate way over 100 programs, registry entries and plug-ins (go here for further information). To keep track of things you can choose from a drop-down list (see below)

Rating system

The innovative online rating system pools the knowledge of all Ashampoo WinOptimizer users and enables direct online updating and synchronization. You benefit twofold: from our professional know-how and the experiences of the community.

When there are already rating for a program, you will find a rating in stars on the right-hand side. The rating goes from 0 stars (very poorly rated) to 5 stars (very positive).

Feel free to rate programs yourself! Your experience can be important for other users! Simply click on the auto-start element ( the program, plug-in, etc.) which you would like to rate and then click on Rate online (see image below). Your browser will open and you are directed to the website, where you can vote fast and easy!  Of course personal data will not be collected!

Security

There are two security issues you need to bear in mind when using StartUp Tuner:

Necessary auto-start programs

Both normal applications and the operating system itself use the auto-launch facilities provided by Windows® to load programs that they genuinely need – this is why these facilities were created in the first place. Thus it is a good idea to be pretty sure you know what a program is before you deactivate it.

If the name does not give you a strong indication, the best way is to use the Properties button in the auto-start entries screen and check the information in the Version tab. The details shown here will generally give you a pretty good idea what the entry is.

Always try deactivating entries before deleting them!

Don’t delete any entries before you’re completely sure it’s safe to do so. Always first deactivate an entry first and then test your system for a while to make sure that everything is working properly. If you want to be completely sure it’s best not to delete entries at all – when they are deactivated by StartUp Tuner they aren’t started, so they don’t compromise your system in any way.

Errors in the command line

The functions for editing the command lines in the auto-start entries are intended for experienced users with a good knowledge of Windows® and command line syntax. Please do not use these functions unless you are really sure you know what you are doing, otherwise you may experience unpredictable errors and even Windows® malfunctions.