How to Manage AutoPlay in Windows 10

AutoPlay is a Windows feature that detects when removable devices such as DVDs, flash drives, and camera memory cards are connected, and automatically launches a designated program to play or view any compatible content those devices contain.

AutoPlay can be a useful feature in that it makes it quicker to access your content with common apps.

AutoPlay is enabled by default in Windows 10. If you find the feature to be more annoying than helpful, here’s how to disable it.

1. Open Start Menu > Settings > Devices > AutoPlay.

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2. Disable AutoPlay completely by turning it off with the first setting: Use AutoPlay for all media and devices. AutoPlay will be disabled as soon as you toggle the option to the Off setting.

There’s no need to reboot or save your change.

Instead of simply disabling AutoPlay, you can manage how it works for certain devices.

Look at the options under Choose AutoPlay Defaults.

You’ll see an option for “Removable drives,” which covers devices like USB flash drives, and “Memory cards,” which refers to your digital camera’s SD or Compact Flash cards. You’ll also see specific references to certain other devices such as external hard drives or, in the case of our screenshot, mobile devices like the iPhone.

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You can click on the drop-down menu beneath each device type to set a default AutoPlay action.  You can also disable AutoPlay for that device by choosing Take no action.

Longtime Windows users, however, may notice that these default options aren’t as granular as those found in previous versions. Thankfully, those old advanced AutoPlay settings are still available in the Control Panel.

Open the Start Menu > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > AutoPlay.

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In this AutoPlay settings window, you’ll be able to choose default AutoPlay actions for all device types, including CDs, Blu-rays, and DVDs.

If you want to revert back to the default AutoPlay settings, scroll to the bottom of the AutoPlay window in Control Panel and click Reset all defaults button.