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. autoruns 64 vs autoruns 64a
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. While ARM-based Windows devices can often emulate x86
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
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
Because it is compiled specifically for 64-bit Intel/AMD systems, it runs natively without needing any emulation.
It remains in the package primarily to support older 32-bit versions of Windows or minimal environments where 64-bit support is absent. Which autoruns executable to use? - Microsoft Q&A