AutoPlay: Frequently asked questions

What is AutoPlay?

AutoPlay lets you choose an action for different kinds of media when you plug in a device, insert media, or receive content from another person using Tap and Send. You can set AutoPlay to open different kinds of content, such as photos, music and video on different kinds of media, such as drives, CDs or DVDs. For example, you can use AutoPlay to select an application that will automatically open photos on a removable drive when you plug it into your PC. With AutoPlay, you don't have to open the same application or reselect preferences every time you plug in a certain device.

How do I change the AutoPlay action for a device or type of media?

To change an AutoPlay action

Open AutoPlay by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering AutoPlay in the search box, tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking AutoPlay.
In the drop-down list next to the device or type of media, choose the new action that you want.

How do I choose an AutoPlay action for the content I receive after tapping my device with another using Tap and Send?

To choose an AutoPlay action for receiving Tap and Do content

Open AutoPlay by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering AutoPlay in the search box, tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking AutoPlay.
Under Choose what happens when you tap two devices together, in the drop-down list next to the content type, choose the action you want.

Note

If your PC doesn't support this technology, then you won't see this option in AutoPlay.

A notification appeared telling me to choose what I want to do with my device, media or content, but it disappeared. What should I do?

To choose an AutoPlay action

Open AutoPlay by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering AutoPlay in the search box, tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking AutoPlay.
In the drop-down list next to the device, type of media or type of content, choose the action that you want.

How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me which application I want to use?

You can turn AutoPlay off completely, or just turn AutoPlay off for one type of media or content only.

To turn AutoPlay off completely

Open AutoPlay by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering AutoPlay in the search box, tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking AutoPlay.
Clear the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices check box, then tap or click Save.

To turn AutoPlay off for one type of media or content only

Open AutoPlay by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering AutoPlay in the search box, tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking AutoPlay.
In the drop-down list next to the type of media or content that you don't want to be asked about, tap or click Take no action, then tap or click Save.

How do I make sure that I'm always asked to choose an action for a device or type of media?

To have AutoPlay always ask you to choose an action

Open AutoPlay by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering AutoPlay in the search box, tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking AutoPlay.
In the list next to each device or type of media that you want to be asked about, choose Ask me every time, then tap or click Save.

Why don't some devices appear under Devices in AutoPlay?

If you connect a storage device to your PC (for example, a USB flash drive or other external drive), that device won't appear under Devices in AutoPlay. AutoPlay only shows non-storage devices, such as some digital cameras, video cameras and phones. You can view storage devices in Computer.

Open Computer by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering Computer in the search box, tapping or clicking Apps, and then tapping or clicking Computer.