AutoPlay not working in Windows 11

This post will talk about different steps you can take if AutoPlay is not working on Windows 11/10. Windows AutoPlay is one of the valuable features in the Windows OS. For instance, whenever you play a music CD for the first time, the AutoPlay feature asks you which media player you want to use if multiple such applications are installed on your system. But many users have reported that AutoPlay is not working on their Windows PC. Worry not if you are also struggling with the same problem. Try the solutions mentioned below to fix the issue.

AutoPlay not working on Windows 11

Here is a list of all the effective solutions to try if AutoPlay is not working on your Windows 11/10 computer:

1. Enable the AutoPlay feature again
2. Change Shell Hardware Detection service
3. Enable AutoPlay notification
4. Change AutoPlay settings
5. Change Local Group Policy
6. Reset the AutoPlay settings

AutoPlay dialog box not showing?

1] Enable the AutoPlay feature again

There can be a temporary glitch in why the AutoPlay feature is not working on your Windows PC. In this case, you can re-enable the feature to solve the problem. Here are the steps you need to follow to do so.

1. Open the Settings menu on your system.
2. Click on the Bluetooth & devices option present on the left panel of the screen.
3. Select AutoPlay.
4. Disable the option, and restart your PC.
5. Come to the location again and enable the option.

Check if it makes any difference. If not, try the next solution.

2] Change Shell Hardware Detection service

AutoPlay will not work on your Windows PC if the Shell Hardware Detection service is disabled. So, manually enable the service and check if it solves the problem. You can do so by following the below steps.

1. Open the Run dialogue box by pressing Windows + R shortcut key.
2. Type services.msc and press the enter key. It will open the Windows Services.
3. Scroll down the list and locate Shell Hardware Detection.
4. Right-click on the service and choose the Properties option.
5. Click on the drop-down icon next to Startup type and choose Automatic from the context menu.
6. Click on Start present below Services status.
7. Tap on Apply > OK.

Check if the problem is fixed or not.

See: How to Limit Media Autoplay in Microsoft Edge browser

3] Enable AutoPlay notification

The problem mentioned will occur if AutoPlay is disabled in Windows notification settings. You will have to enable AutoPlay notification to solve the problem. Here’s how it’s done.

1. Open Settings > System.
2. Locate and open Notifications.
3. Enable the toggle present next to AutoPlay.

That’s it. Check if you are still facing the problem or not.

4] Change AutoPlay settings

Misconfigured AutoPlay settings can also be a primary reason behind the problem in question. You will have to change the settings to solve the problem. Here’s how.

1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
2. Select AutoPlay from the list of options.
3. Under Choose AutoPlay defaults, change the value to Ask me every time.
4. Do the same to all the devices installed on your system.

Now, plug in the device and check if the AutoPlay feature is working.

See: How to disable or stop Video Autoplay in Microsoft Edge

5] Change Local Group Policy

You can use the Local Group Policy to solve the problem as well. Misconfigured policy settings will disable AutoPlay for additional driver types. Here are the changes you need to make in the editor to solve the problem.

1. To begin with, open the Run dialogue box on your system.
2. In the space provided, type gpedit.msc and press the enter key.
3. Now, navigate to Local Group Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > AutoPlay Policies.
4. Right-click on Turn off AutoPlay, and choose Edit from the context menu.
5. In the following window, select the Disabled option.
6. Click on Apply > OK.

Restart your system and check whether the problem is resolved.

Read: How to prevent AutoPlay from remembering User Choice

6] Reset the AutoPlay settings

If none of the above solutions were helpful, the last thing you can try is to reset the AutoPlay settings. To do so, follow the below steps.

1. Open the search bar, type Control Panel, and press the Enter key.
2. Change View by to Small icons.
3. Choose AutoPlay.
4. In the following window, click on Reset all defaults.
5. Click on Save and exit the screen.

Restart your system, and you will no longer experience the problem.

How do I disable AutoPlay in Windows 11?

It’s very easy to disable AutoPlay in Windows 11. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > AutoPlay. Disable the toggle that says use AutoPlay for all media and devices. You can even use Control Panel to do the same. For more information, check out our dedicated guide on how to enable or disable AutoPlay in Windows 11.

How do you reset AutoPlay?

You can reset AutoPlay using the control panel of your Windows PC. Here are the exact steps you need to follow – Open the Control Panel on your system > Change View by to Small/Large icons > Select AutoPlay. Click on the Reset all defaults option present at the bottom of the screen.

Read Next: Enable, Configure and set AutoPlay defaults in Windows.