Understanding and Changing AutoPlay Settings

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated January 22, 2018)

AutoPlay is a feature of Windows that lets you indicate what you want your system to do (if anything) whenever certain types of media are inserted into your computer. To configure your AutoPlay settings, display the Control Panel, click the Hardware and Sound link, and then click the AutoPlay link. Windows displays the AutoPlay dialog box. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. The AutoPlay dialog box.

It is the AutoPlay dialog box where you indicate the behavior your system should perform when it detects the presence of the various listed media. For example, if I insert an audio CD into my machine, it automatically starts playing it with Windows Media Player. However, if I insert a CD that contains pictures, the system asks me what to do.

You tell your system what to do by pulling down the drop-down list beside each type of media and selecting a default behavior. For example, if I want to open a folder in Windows Explorer (Windows 7) or File Explorer (Windows 8 and Windows 10) every time a picture CD is inserted, I would pull down the drop-down list beside the Pictures item and select the behavior.

To turn off AutoPlay altogether, clear the checkbox near the top of the AutoPlay dialog box. When you are done making the desired changes, click the Save button.

 This tip (10111) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Passing Parameters to a PowerShell Script

Like the older batch-file processor, PowerShell can accept parameters. This allows for flexibility in your script. This ...

Discover More

Restoring from a Backup

Being able to restore from a backup is just as important as making the backup in the first place. This tip tells you how ...

Discover More

AutoRuns

Would you like to have one place to go in order to see what all programs are starting when your system starts or when you ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Change Your Pointer

Windows 10 uses a default mouse pointer size and color. With a quick setting change, you can customize the mouse size and ...

Discover More

Changing How the Power Button Behaves

When you shut down your system, you normally use the Power button that is visible after you click the Start button. You ...

Discover More

Customizing the SendTo Menu

The SendTo menu can be used to perform some handy tasks with files. By following the steps in this tip you'll be able to ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 8 - 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.