Unknown startup app

Question

I have an unknown startup app:

what is this, it dosen't let me open file location or view properties

Answer 1

Hi,

Do you have any Autodesk program installed on the computer? It seems that is a service from that program based on the article below.

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/installation-licensing-forum/genuine-service-how-to-uninstall-it-i-moved-to-a-different/td-p/9614666

If there's none, try right-clicking on the column header in the Startup apps tab and enable Command line. That may show the file path of the app, which might help you identify what it is.

Answer 2

That unknown startup entry is most likely a leftover or hidden startup script or executable that is not properly registered with Windows, which is why Task Manager cannot show its file location or properties. To investigate and remove it, use the tools Windows exposes for non‑standard startup items.

1. Check the Startup folders
   1. Press Win + R, type shell:startup, press Enter.
      • If a shortcut or script named something like Genuine appears here, delete it.
   2. Press Win + R, type shell:common startup, press Enter.
      • Again, look for suspicious shortcuts or scripts and delete them.
   These folders control startup for the current user and for all users. Deleting a shortcut here removes that startup item.
2. If the entry persists
   • It may be coming from a registry Run key, scheduled task, or other persistence method (often used by unwanted or malicious software). In that case:
     • Run a full scan with Windows Security.
     • Run a reputable antimalware tool.
     • Manually review other startup mechanisms (Task Scheduler, HKCU/HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run) if comfortable doing so.

If unsure about the origin and it is not clearly tied to trusted software, keep it Disabled in Task Manager and remove any matching shortcut from the Startup folders as above.

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References:

• Configure Startup Applications in Windows