Autorun is a feature in Windows that allows programs to automatically run when a removable device, such as a USB drive or CD/DVD, is inserted into a computer. While this feature can be convenient, it can also be a security risk as it can be exploited by malware to automatically execute malicious code without your consent.
If you suspect that your computer has been infected with malware or if you simply want to disable the Autorun feature, you can do so by deleting the Autorun key from the Command Processor in the Windows Registry. The Windows Registry is a database that stores important settings and configuration information for the operating system and installed programs.
Before making any changes to the Windows Registry, it is crucial to create a backup in case anything goes wrong. To create a backup, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "regedit" (without quotes) in the Run dialog box and press Enter. This will open the Windows Registry Editor.
- In the Registry Editor, click on "File" in the menu bar and select "Export".
- Choose a location to save the backup file, give it a name, and click "Save".
Now that you have created a backup of the Registry, you can proceed with deleting the Autorun key from the Command Processor. Please follow these steps carefully:
- Open the Windows Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key + R, typing "regedit", and pressing Enter.
- In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Command Processor
Note: The above location is for the Command Processor Autorun key in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE hive. If you want to delete the Autorun key for the current user, navigate to the following location instead:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Command Processor
- Once you are in the correct location, you will see a list of values on the right-hand side. Look for a value named "AutoRun".
- Right-click on the "AutoRun" value and select "Delete".
- A confirmation dialog will appear asking if you want to delete the value. Click "Yes" to confirm.
- Close the Registry Editor.
After deleting the Autorun key from the Command Processor in the Registry, the Autorun feature will be disabled on your computer. This means that programs will no longer automatically run when you insert a removable device.
Remember, modifying the Windows Registry can have unintended consequences if not done correctly. It is always a good idea to create a backup before making any changes and to proceed with caution.
If you ever want to enable the Autorun feature again, you can do so by simply creating a new "AutoRun" value in the Command Processor key and assigning it the desired command or program path.