AutoStarter

Some important applications provide the option to make them run with Windows, so they’re ready by the time you reach the desktop. However, any program can be forced to start automatically, but this can increase boot time. In this regard, AutoStarter makes it easy to create custom profiles with multiple applications to be launched at the same time, at any given moment.

One of the main requirements is .NET Framework, so you need to make sure it’s already on your computer before you benefit from what AutoStarter has to offer. On the other hand, there’s no setup involved, meaning the application can run right after download, and can be carried around on a thumb drive.

With the main window up, you need to create a new profile with a custom selection of programs. On the bright side of things, there’s no restriction regarding file format, so you’re free to select videos, songs, pictures, text documents, executables, or anything you wish to launch as a whole.

The initial browse dialog is where the selection is done, but you can also use the add function to include any program or file you missed. Sadly, drag and drop is not supported. Once you’re happy with the selection, you need to select the programs to start simultaneously, and save the new profile under a name.

It’s possible to create multiple profiles, each one saved as an INI file which is easy to edit even without opening the application. Sadly, there’s no option to set a launch delay between apps, which can put a significant strain on your PC, especially when launching multiple complex applications at the same time.

To sum it up, AutoStarter manages to live up to expectations, allowing you to create multiple profiles containing not just executables, but any kind of file. Even though there’s no delay function, clever grouping of programs together can minimize the risk of heavy resource consumption, making the application worth a try overall.