Changing Behavior for Audio CDs

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated May 10, 2021)

Whenever Jerry inserts an audio CD into his PC, Windows automatically starts to play the CD using Windows Media Player. This bugs Jerry, as he doesn't always want to play whatever CD he inserts. Many times he wants to perform some other action, such as treating the audio CD as data. Jerry wonders if there is a way to stop Windows from always trying to play his CDs when he inserts them.

Actually, Windows makes it rather easy to modify what happens when it detects a new audio CD being inserted in your system. Just follow these general steps:

  1. Display the Control Panel.
  2. Click the Hardware and Sound link.
  3. Click the AutoPlay link.
  4. Scroll down a bit until you see the CDs area. (See Figure 1.)

    5. Figure 1. The AutoPlay area of the Control Panel.

  5. Using the drop-down list to the right of the Audio CD label, choose what you want Windows to do when it detects an audio CD. (Jerry will probably want to select either Take No Action or Ask Me Every Time.)
  6. Click Save.
  7. Close the Control Panel.

That's it. The next time you insert an audio CD into your system, Windows will take whatever action you specified in step 5.

 This tip (12242) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Removing a Macro from a Shortcut Key

Associate a macro with a shortcut key, and at some time you may want to break that association. (Perhaps so the shortcut ...

Discover More

Using Multiple Tables of Contents

Adding multiple tables of contents is a must for some types of document design. Here's a great overview of how you can ...

Discover More

Useable Printed Pages with Markup

When you create documents that rely on markup (tracked changes and comments), getting usable printed output that includes ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Understanding and Changing AutoPlay Settings

You can configure Windows to perform some tasks automatically. This includes telling it what to do whenever Windows ...

Discover More

Understanding Optional Features

Windows 10 includes many features that are not enabled by default. Discover how to turn on or off the optional features ...

Discover More

Customizing Quick Actions

Action Center provides quick access to notifications and quick actions. Quick actions provide a fast way to perform tasks ...

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 four more than 7?

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.