How to Disable AutoRun Function in Windows

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The AutoRun is a feature introduced in Windows 95, along with the function AutoPlay. This was implemented in order to facilitate the installation of components or software by users without technical knowledge. But being vulnerable, deleting AutoRun is a wise decision at times.

How does AutoRun work?

AutoRun is specific for when a new storage drive is mounted on the system, whether it is an external hard drive or a USB drive, or a media disk (such as when you insert a CD or DVD into the drawer). In these cases, AutoRun scans the drive for data, and can automatically start installing files that enable the AutoPlay menu, which displays actions for the user.

Microsoft kept AutoRun up to Windows 7, shutting it down because it was easy to use to attack a computer with pendrives or CDs with viruses, thanks to its ability to install software alone.

How to Delete Autorun

The method for deleting AutoRun varies depending on your version of Windows.

1. Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista

  1. Click Start, type Gpedit.msc in the Start Search box, and then press Enter; Windows may ask for a password or a confirmation. Enter the data and/or click Allow; 
  2. Under Computer Configuration, double-click Administrative Templates, and then double-click Windows Components;
  3. Click Automatic Playback Policies;
  4. Under Details, double-click Disable AutoPlay;
  5. Click Enabled, and select All Drives in the Disable AutoPlay box;
  6. Restart the computer.

2. Windows Server 2003, Windows XP Professional, and Windows 2000

  1. Click Start, and then click Run;
  2. Type Gpedit.msc and click OK;
  3. Under Computer Configuration, double-click Administrative Templates, and then click System;
  4. Under Settings, right-click Disable AutoPlay, and then click Properties (in Windows 2000, Disable AutoPlay);
  5. Click Enabled, and select All Drives in the Disable AutoPlay box;
  6. Click OK, and then restart your computer.

3. Windows 7, Server 2008, Windows Vista, Server 2003, and Windows XP

  1. Click Start, and then click Run;
  2. Type regedit in the Open box and click OK;
  3. Locate the
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer\NoDriveTypeAutorun registry;
  4. Right-click NoDriveTypeAutoRun, and then click Modify;
  5. Under Value data, enter 0xFF;
  6. Click OK, close Registry Editor, and then restart your computer.

And ready.

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