Introduction

Windows Vista has a feature called AutoPlay that can do a specific action when media is inserted. An example of AutoPlay is you can set Windows Vista to play a DVD in Windows Media Player when inserted or it will import images from a digital camera automatically when you plug it in your computer.

This guide shows you how to set AutoPlay options for many types of media when they are inserted.

Setting up AutoPlay

There are a few ways to setup AutoPlay.

When Media Is Inserted For the First Time

When you insert new media for the first time you’ll be given the option to automatically do the option you pick from a list every time that type of media is inserted from then on.

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For example: When I plug in my digital camera I want it to automatically import the pictures onto my computer. To do this check off Always do this for pictures and then pick to import the pictures from the available options when prompted by the AutoPlay window.

Set AutoPlay Options from the Control Panel

You can set the AutoPlay options for all media types from the control panel.

Type autoplay in the search box in the Start Menu and then press Enter on your keyboard.

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You can turn AutoPlay on or off by checking or un-checking Use AutoPlay for all media and services near the top of the AutoPlay control panel.

All you have to do to setup AutoPlay for each type of media is select what you want your computer to do in the drop down list for each type of media.