Most of the time when a computer does a task automatically we love it but, on some occasions, we just want to do a task manually. When you connect a USB flash drive or insert an optical disk the operating system either launches an Autoplay window or a program is launched automatically. That’s a Windows feature and if you don’t like it and you’d prefer to explore files on your USB flash drive manually then you’ll be happy to know that you can customize the behavior of Windows with the following tips and tricks.
Before we continue further I’d like to point out that Autoplay and Autorun are two different things. Autoplay is the Windows action which prompts you to specify applications to be used to open a particular type of file. For example, when you connect a USB flash drive which contains images, you’ll be prompted to select what you want to do with the images.
Autorun on the other hand is a Windows action which automatically launches applications based on the commands instructed in the autorun.inf file.
Autorun.inf files are created by many applications and they’re generally pretty handy. If you have a graphic editing program like Photoshop installed, for example, you’ll probably have Autorun set up so that jpg files open automatically with Photoshop. But it’s not always convenient.
Ontop USB flash drives, with their high capacities, are perfect for use as storage devices and as a way to transfer files or use files often. What if you have some photos and some videos on your USB flash drive already and you also want to use the flash drive on a daily basis to transfer or use files between two computers? With Autorun and Autoplay enabled, you’ll get pop-ups and actions taking place automatically, every time you plug the USB flash drive in. So that you’re in complete control of what you do with the USB flash drive, why not switch things to manual mode?
Hot tip for Windows XP users!
If your USB flash drive is launching a program automatically which you don’t want, simply press the Shift key on your keyboard while you insert your Ontop USB flashdrive. This will suppress the Autorun action and allow you to explore the drive manually.
Right click on the drive and select Explore
Note: With Windows Vista and Windows 7, AutoPlay has been redesigned. Now holding down the Shift key opens AutoPlay!
Alternatively you can use the following method to turn off AutoPlay completely in Windows Vista or Windows 7.
Click on Start -> Control Panel -> Hardware -> AutoPlay.
Clear the ‘Use AutoPlay for all media and devices’ check box, and then click Save.
Disable them for good
You can also disable the Autorun and Autoplay features using the Windows Group Policy Editor.
Click on Start - > Run -> type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
Navigate to Computer Configuration –> Administrative Templates –> System.
On the right hand pane, double click on Turn off Autoplay.
Select the Enabled radio button and from dropdown menu, select All drives.
Click Apply – OK to make the changes.
This will disable the Autoplay on all drives. It can of course be switched back on if you change your mind.
Note: I have tried disabling Autoplay via Windows Group Policy Editor on Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 machines and it worked well in all three operating systems.
Windows’ Autorun and Autoplay features are generally handy but not always. If you find them to be a pesky nuisance every time you insert your USB flash drive, follow our tips and advice to switch to a manual mode of exploring your portable storage.
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