PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Autorun is a feature of Windows in which a predetermined action is taken when certain types of media such as a CD, DVD, or USB flash drive is inserted in a computer. Most commonly, autorun will launch or install a new program on the media. [1] Disabling Autorun in Windows will help prevent accidental installation of viruses and other malware. You can disable AutoPlay on Windows 10 Settings menu, the Group Policy editor, or using the Registry editor. This wikiHow teaches you how to disable autorun.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Windows Settings

PDF download Download Article
  1. This opens the AutoPlay Settings menu for Windows.
    Advertisement
  2. This ensures that Windows does not open a folder or automatically run any files when a removable drive, such as a CD-ROM or USB flash drive is inserted.
  3. This ensures that Windows will not automatically open a memory card or automatically run any files when a memory card is inserted.
  4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Group Policy Editor

PDF download Download Article
  1. This launches a program called "Run." You can also click the Run icon in the Windows Start menu.
  2. Use the field in the center of Run to enter "Gpedit.msc." Then click Ok or press Enter . This launches the Group Policy Editor.
    • If asked to enter an administrative password, enter the admin password and click Allow . [2]
  3. "Administrative Templates" can be found under both "User Configuration" and "Computer Configuration" Click the one under "User Configuration" to expand the Administrative Templates menu.
  4. This displays the administrative template folders listed under "Windows Components."
  5. This opens the folder containing AutoPlay administrative templates.
  6. This opens the administrative template that allows you to disable AutoPlay and Autorun.
  7. It's at the top of the template on the left-hand side of the Window. When this template is enabled, AutoPlay and Autorun will be disabled on all drives, including removable USB drives, disk drives.
  8. It's in the lower-right corner of the window. This applies to the new settings.
  9. This closes the Group Policy Editor. [3]
  10. Once you apply the new setting, restart your computer to ensure the new settings take effect.
  11. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Registry Editor

PDF download Download Article
  1. This launches a program called "Run." You can also click the Run icon in the Windows Start menu.
  2. Use the field in the center of Run to enter "Regedit.exe." Then click Ok or press Enter . This launches the Registry Editor.
    • If asked if you want to allow the Registry Editor to make changes to your system, click Yes .
  3. It's in the menu to the left of Registry Editor. Double-click this option to expand it.
  4. It's below "HKEY_CURRENT_USER." This expands the Software folder.
  5. It's in the Software folder. This expands the Microsoft folder.
  6. It's in the Microsoft folder. This expands the Windows folder.
  7. It's in the Microsoft folder. This expands the CurrentVersion folder.
  8. It's in the CurrentVersion folder. This expands the Policies folder.
  9. It's in the Policies folder. This expands the Explorer folder.
    • The full path in the Registry Editor is "Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer"
  10. It's the only option under "Explorer." This allows you to change the policy with regards to Autorun in Registry Editor.
  11. Each of the following values affects Autorun in a different way. Enter one of the following values of your choice in the "Value data" field. The values are as follows:
    • " FF :" This disables Autorun on all drives.
    • " 20 :" This disables Autorun on the CD-ROM only.
    • " 4 :" This disables Autorun on all removable drives.
    • " 8 :" This disables Autorun on all fixed drives.
    • " 10 :" This disables Autorun on all network drives.
    • " 40 :" This disables Autorun on the RAM disk only.
    • " 1 :" This disables Autorun on all unknown drives.
    • " 91 :" This sets Autorun to function as normal.
  12. This saves the new value and setting for Autorun. [4] [5]
  13. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Click the Windows Start menu.
      2. Type "AutoPlay Settings" and press Enter .
      3. Click the toggle switch to turn AutoPlay off.
      5. Select "Take No Action" in the menu below "Removable Drive."
      6. Select "Take No Action" in the menu below "Memory Card."

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 17,891 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement