AutoPlay in Windows 11 plays a handy role. It detects when you connect a removable storage device to your PC and performs preset actions such as opening a folder to view files in File Explorer or playing media files.
When the AutoPlay feature is enabled, the system automatically runs media files without user intervention when a USB external device is attached to your PC. If your USB drive is infected with malware, it can quickly exploit the AutoPlay feature to spread viruses.
Because of security, if you prefer your PC to take no action after connecting a USB drive, you can safely disable AutoPlay in the Windows Settings. You can also use the classic Control Panel or Group Policy to turn off AutoPlay in Windows 11.
In this gearupwindows article, we will guide you on disabling the AutoRun or AutoPlay for USB Drive in Windows 11.
Topics Covered
How to Disable AutoPlay via Windows 11 Settings?
To turn off AutoPlay using Windows 11 Settings, do the following:-
Step 1. First, open the Settings app.
To do that, you can use
Step 2. When the Settings window appears, select the
Step 3. Then, click the
Step 4. After that, turn Off the toggle switch “Use AutoPlay for all media and devices.”
While you are on the AutoPlay settings page, you can also choose AutoPlay default actions for different removable devices. This is helpful if you don’t want to turn off AutoPlay but restrict its use for a removable drive or memory card.
Under Choose AutoPlay default section, click the drop-down for Removable drive for USB flash drive and select the
How to Disable AutoPlay in Windows 11 using Control Panel?
The Settings app only allows you to control AutoPlay for removable devices and memory cards. However, if you want to control AutoPlay action for a DVD, CD, and Blu-ray discs, you can use the Control Panel. To disable AutoPlay from Control Panel, use the following steps:-
Step 1. First, open the Control Panel.
Step 2. In the Control Panel, click
Step 3. Next, click the
Step 4. Uncheck the option
If you only want to disable AutoPlay for a USB flash drive, click the drop-down of Removable drive and select
Step 5. When you’re done, click the
How to Disable AutoPlay in Windows 11 via Group Policy Editor?
To turn off or disable AutoPlay in Windows 11 using Group Policy, do the following steps:-
Step 1. At first, open the Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 2. Next, navigate to the following path in the left sidebar of the Local Group Policy Editor window:-
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > AutoPlay Policies
Step 3. On the right side of the AutoPlay Policies folder, double-click on the policy name
Step 4. Select
Step 5. Click
Step 6. Click
That’s it.
