- If AutoPlay isn't working on Windows 11, turn it off and back on in Settings.
- AutoPlay detects what kind of removable device you've inserted and should take the correct action accordingly, but it can malfunction.
- Other troubleshooting tips include resetting AutoPlay to default settings in the Control Panel and making sure the correct Windows services are enabled.
- Visit Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.
AutoPlay has been a part of Windows for decades, and it has caused unexpected problems for users that entire time. When it's working, AutoPlay detects what kind of removable device you've inserted — CD, DVD, camera memory card, and so on — and automatically takes the right action. But if AutoPlay is taking the wrong action or doing nothing at all, there are some things you can do to get to the bottom of the problem and get it working properly again.
Toggle AutoPlay off and back on
Sometimes just turning a Windows feature off and back on again is all it takes to get it working properly.
1. Click Start and then click Settings.
2. In the Settings search box, type "autoplay" and click Turn AutoPlay on or off when you see it in the results.
3. On the AutoPlay page, turn AutoPlay off by swiping the button to the left. Then turn it back on and test AutoPlay by inserting a removable device.
Review exactly what AutoPlay is configured to do
AutoPlay can be especially frustrating if you don't know how it's currently configured — that makes everything a guessing game. Thankfully, you can see a complete list of AutoPlay settings all in one place.
1. In the Start Search box, type "Control Panel" and click it when you see Control Panel appear in the results.
2. In the search box, type "AutoPlay" and click Autoplay when you see it in the results.
3. On the AutoPlay page, you can see exactly what the feature is currently set to do. You can make any changes you like and then click Save.
Reset AutoPlay to its default settings
If AutoPlay has become a confusing array of unwanted settings, you can reset it all back to the "factory defaults." Follow the steps in the previous section to open the AutoPlay Control Panel. Then scroll to the bottom and click Reset all defaults.
Be sure that AutoPlay notifications are enabled
1. Click Start and then click Settings.
2. In the Settings search box, type "notifications" and choose Notifications & action settings when you see it in the results.
3. Find AutoPlay in the list of settings and make sure it's turned on by sweeping the button to the right.
Make sure Shell Hardware Detection is enabled
The AutoPlay feature depends on a particular Windows service, and if it's stopped or failed for some reason, AutoPlay won't work. That's why you should check on the Shell Hardware Detection Service and restart it if needed.
1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and click OK.
3. In the Services dialog box, right-click Shell Hardware Detection and click Restart in the drop-down menu.
