AutoRun is a feature that first came out in Windows 95. It was designed to make it easier for people who don’t know how to install apps. If a CD contained a file called autorun.inf in the root directory, Windows would detect it automatically and follow the instructions in that file.
This is an example of a setup file. It points to the disc’s contents and sets up your computer for the first time.
In Windows XP and earlier, if you pop in a CD/DVD for a piece of hardware or a program, the setup program would start automatically without any prompt.
AutoPlay is a security feature that Microsoft introduced to fix the problem of media devices not being able to play content. AutoPlay examines a newly connected media device and determines what type of content is on it, and then displays a dialog that allows the user to launch an application to play, run or display the content.
In Windows Vista and later, AutoRun is executed after AutoPlay. If it’s not disabled, AutoRun will execute and it will search for the AutoRun.inf file.
Windows XP allows AutoRun to bypass AutoPlay and launch an application without asking the user first. ..
In Windows Vista and higher, if there is an AutoRun.inf file, it will still be read, but instead of the application being launched automatically, a dialog box will pop up with a list of choices. Some of which could be from the autorun.inf file.
AutoRun vs. AutoPlay Example
In Windows XP, if I open the AutoRun.inf file, it will start up the MSI driver without me having to click anything. In Windows 7 and 10, if I open the AutoRun.inf file, it will not start up the MSI driver.
In Windows XP, the autorun.inf file is not found and the MSI setup program does not automatically pop up on the screen.
This is not what I expected. I thought that the CD would play automatically.
Windows 10 is now trying to run the DVDsetup.exe file mentioned in the autorun.inf file, but now you get a notification on your screen telling you that you can choose. ..
If you click on that, it will bring up the AutoPlay dialog where you can choose what action to perform.
Windows 7 and higher allow you to disable the AutoPlay feature, which means that no programs can be executed without your permission. This is done by clicking on the AutoPlay icon in the system tray and selecting the “Do not automatically start this program” option. ..
If you’re running Windows XP, it might be a good idea to disable AutoRun because on that operating system, programs can still be run without your consent.
Configure AutoPlay in Windows 7
In Windows 7, you can change how AutoPlay works. This might not be something you want to do, but it’s an option.
To configure AutoPlay, click on the Start button and type in autoplay. Select the first option at the top. ..
You can individually configure the settings for your media player in Windows 10. However, if you want to turn off AutoPlay completely, you’ll need to uncheck the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices box at the top.
When you insert a software CD into your computer, you may see a popup dialog asking if you want to install the software or run it from the CD. You can change this setting to Install or Run program from your media, Open folder to view files, or Take no action. ..
The options to choose from will vary depending on what type of media is connected. For example, an audio CD or DVD movie will have the option to played using Windows Media Player. If you connect a device with pictures or videos, you’ll have the option to automatically import the items. In addition to the standard items, if you ever connected other devices to your computer like a smartphone or tablet, those will show up at the very bottom.
Configure AutoPlay in Windows 10
In Windows 10, click on the Start button and type in “AutoPlay.” You’ll see a dialog box with two options: “Removable Drive” and “Memory Card.” If you have any other external devices connected to your computer, they’ll show up in this list after Removable Drive and Memory Card. ..
The main difference is that if you turn off OneDrive import, your iPhone will not try to connect to the internet and you will not have to worry about data loss.
The options for memory card use when popping in a DVD or CD seem to be different depending on which type of card you choose.
Since most people are using the latest versions of Windows, you don’t have to worry about anything other than AutoPlay. It’s a simple process to disable or enable AutoPlay in Windows if you want. If you have any questions, feel free to comment. Enjoy!
