How to Turn AutoPlay On or Off in Windows 8 and 8.1
InformationAutoPlay lets you choose an action for different kinds of media when you plug in a device, insert media, or receive content from another person using Tap and Send. You can set AutoPlay to open different kinds of content, such as photos, music, and video on different kinds of media, such as drives, CDs, or DVDs. For example, you can use AutoPlay to select an app that will automatically open photos on a removable drive when you plug it into your PC. With AutoPlay, you don't have to open the same app or reselect preferences every time you plug in a certain device.
This tutorial will show you how to turn AutoPlay on or off for your user account in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows RT 8.1.
This tutorial will show you how to turn AutoPlay on or off for your user account in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows RT 8.1.
Note- You will only see AutoPlay open with a notification when you have AutoPlay turned on and plug in a device, media, or content that already has it's action set to either "Choose a default" (default) or "Ask me every time".
- You can completely turn off AutoPlay or just turn off AutoPlay for only one type of media or content.
- If your PC doesn't support the Tap and Send technology, then you won't see this option in AutoPlay.
- If you connect a storage device to your PC (for example, a USB flash drive or other external drive), that device won't appear under Devices in AutoPlay. AutoPlay only shows non-storage devices, such as some digital cameras, video cameras, and phones. You can view storage devices in the This PC window in File Explorer.
- You can press and hold the Shift key when you insert devices or media into your PC to open an AutoPlay notification, regardless of the default setting.
EXAMPLE: AutoPlay Notification
NOTE: This is an example of an AutoPlay notification when plugging in a camera and USB flash drive asking you to choose what action you want to use. The AutoPlay notification will open at the top right corner of your main display.
OPTION ONE
Turn On or Off AutoPlay in Control Panel
1. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click/tap on the AutoPlay icon.
2. Do step 3, 4, or 5 below for what you would like to do.
3. To Completely Turn Off AutoPlay
A) At the top, uncheck the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices box, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below step 6)
4. To Turn Off AutoPlay for Only One Device, Media, or Content
A) If not already, check the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices box at the top. (see screenshot below step 6)
B) In the drop-down list next to the device, type of media, or content that you don't want to be asked about, click/tap on the Take no action option. (see screenshot below)
C) When finished, go to step 6 below.
5. To Turn On AutoPlay
NOTE: This is the default setting. When turned on, this does not affect any actions you already have set.
A) At the top, check the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices box. (see screenshot below step 6)
B) In the drop-down list next to the device, type of media, or content choose the new default AutoPlay action you want.
C) When finished, go to step 6 below.
6. Click/tap on the Save button to apply.
OPTION TWO
Turn On or Off AutoPlay in PC settings
NOTE: This option is only available in Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1.
1. Open PC settings, and click/tap on PC & devices on the left side. (see screenshot below)
2. Click/tap on AutoPlay on the left side, and do step 3, 4, or 5 below for what you would like to do. (see screenshot below)
3. To Completely Turn Off AutoPlay
A) On the right side under AutoPlay, move the slider to the left to turn it off, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below step 2)
4. To Turn Off AutoPlay for Only One Device, Media, or Content
A) If not already, on the right side under AutoPlay, move the slider to the right to turn it on. (see screenshot below step 2)
B) In the drop-down list next to the device, type of media, or content that you don't want to be asked about, click/tap on the Take no action option. (see screenshot below)
C) When finished, go to step 6 below.
5. To Turn On AutoPlay
NOTE: This is the default setting. When turned on, this does not affect any actions you already have set.
A) On the right side under AutoPlay, move the slider to the right to turn it on. (see screenshot below step 2)
B) In the drop-down list next to the device, type of media, or content choose the new default AutoPlay action you want.
C) When finished, go to step 6 below.
6. When finished, you can close PC settings if you like.
OPTION THREE
Turn On or Off AutoPlay using a REG File
NoteThe .reg files below are for the registry key and value below.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoplayHandlers
DisableAutoplay DWORD
0 = Turn On AutoPlay
1 = Turn Off AutoPlay
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoplayHandlers
DisableAutoplay DWORD
0 = Turn On AutoPlay
1 = Turn Off AutoPlay
1. Do Step 2 or 3 below for what you would like to do.
2. To Turn On AutoPlay
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Turn_On_AutoPlay.reg
3. To Completely Turn Off AutoPlay
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Turn_Off_AutoPlay.reg
4. Save the .reg file to your desktop.
5. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.
6. When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve merging the .reg file.
7. You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
That's it,
Shawn
Related Tutorials
- How to Create an "AutoPlay" Settings Shortcut in Windows 8 and 8.1
- How to Enable or Disable AutoPlay for Drives in Vista, Widows 7, and Windows 8
- Enable or Disable AutoPlay for Non-volume Devices in Windows 7 and Windows 8
- Enable or Disable AutoPlay Remembering User Choices in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
- How to Change How Long Notifications Stay Open in Windows 8 and 8.1
- How to Completely Block Autorun.inf Files in Windows
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