Here is how you can set the Autoplay defaults in Windows 10.
Set Up Autoplay Defaults from Settings Pane
Setting up Autoplay defaults in Windows 10 is easy and straightforward. To start, search for the Settings app in the start menu and open it.
Once the Settings panel has been opened, select the option “Devices.”
Here in the Devices settings panel, select the option “Autoplay” appearing on the left sidebar.
This action will display your current Autoplay settings on the right panel. Depending on the drive you have, you will see appropriate options. For instance, since my PC doesn’t have a CD/DVD drive, I didn’t have the option to set the defaults. To set a default action, simply click on the drop-down menu under a device type and select the appropriate option. In my case I’m setting Autoplay to open the drive in File Explorer.
Note: if you want Autoplay to ask each and every time what to do when you plug in your device, then select the option “Ask me every time.” If you don’t want Autoplay to run for a specific type of devices, then select the option “Take no action.”
If you want to completely disable the Autoplay feature, then toggle the button under “Use AutoPlay for all media and devices.”
Set AutoPlay Defaults from Control Panel
If you want more control over how Autoplay behaves on Windows, then using the Control Panel is the best way to go. To do that, search for “Control Panel” in the Start menu and open it.
Once the Control Panel has opened, find and select the option “AutoPlay.”
From here you can set the AutoPlay defaults for each device type and media type.
Set AutoPlay Defaults from Group Policy
Alternatively, you can also enable or disable Autoplay using the Windows Group Policy Editor. To do that press “Win + R,” type gpedit.msc and press the Enter button.
The above action will open the Group Policy Editor. Here, navigate to the following policy: “Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> AutoPlay Policies.”
Find and double-click on the policy “Turn off Autoplay” appearing on the right pane.
The above action will open the autoplay policy settings window. Select the “Enabled” radio button to disable Windows Autoplay. If you want to,you can also select the device type under the “Options” panel.
Do comment below sharing your thoughts and experiences about the Autoplay feature in Windows.
