The Windows AutoPlay feature is useful for users when they insert media via CDDVD, USB, or Media Cards. While useful, AutoPlay can be confusing for many users, and Microsoft has put together a Help and How-To page with a list of the most common questions users ask.
AutoPlay in Windows 11/10 OS
How do I stop AutoPlay from asking what program to use?
There are two ways to enable or disable AutoPlay in Windows:
Turn off AutoPlay completely
- Open AutoPlay by clicking the Start button and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type autoplay, and then click Auto Play.
- Clear the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices checkbox, then click Save.
Turn off AutoPlay for only one type of media
- Open AutoPlay by clicking the Start button and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type autoplay, and then click Auto Play.
- In the list next to each type of media you don’t want to be asked about, click Take no action, then click Save.
I set the default action for a device or media type, but now I wouldn’t say I like that action. How do I change it?
- Open AutoPlay by clicking the Start button and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type autoplay and then click AutoPlay.
- In the list next to the device or type of media, click the new action you want to use.
How do I make sure that I am asked each time for the action I want to choose?
- Open AutoPlay by clicking the Start button and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type autoplay and then click AutoPlay.
- In the list next to each type of media you want to be asked about, click Ask me every time, then click Save.
How can I run or install a program from a disk or device?
To run or install a program one time, follow these steps:
- Open File Explorer using Win + E
- Right-click the device or drive, then click Run enhanced content or Install or run the program.
To have a program always run automatically, follow these steps:
- Go to AutoPlay Settings in System > Bluetooth & devices > Autoplay
- Choose Run enhanced content for the type you want (enhanced audio CD or enhanced DVD movie), or choose Install or run a program for software and games.
Note that this program runs for all discs of this type, not just those you currently use.
Note: The option will change depending on the type of removable media. You cannot force the USB to run a program or install software if it doesn’t already.
Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open?
If a media program is open in an active window, it can cancel AutoPlay and run or play the content. AutoPlay will not appear, and the default action will not happen. Some programs cancel AutoPlay when they’re open, depending on the type of media you insert.
What would keep a device from appearing under Devices in AutoPlay?
If you have connected a volume device to your computer (for example, a USB flash drive or external hard drive), that device will not appear in the Devices section of AutoPlay. AutoPlay only lists non-volume devices (such as digital cameras, video cameras, and phones). This is because these devices don’t use a standard file system, and Autoplay cannot browse the contents of these devices to see what types of files they contain.
To browse the contents of volume devices, open the Computer folder.
Open the Computer by clicking the Start button and then clicking Computer.
How can I open AutoPlay, even if the default setting doesn’t open?
Hold down the Shift key when you insert devices or media into your computer to open Auto Play, regardless of the default setting.
What is an Enhanced CD or an Enhanced DVD movie?
An enhanced audio CD or DVD movie contains additional content in other formats. For example, a recording artist might include video clips or artist profiles on an enhanced audio CD.
What does the Software and Games Category include?
The category “software and games” includes any type of media containing programs or games that you need to install or play.
I hope this explains the subject.
