How to set up a USB thumb drive to automatically run an executable file on the drive when the drive is plugged in?

[Blitzkow]

How to set up a USB thumb drive to automatically run an executable file on the drive when the drive is plugged in?

 

[ChatGPT]

Running an executable automatically from a USB drive (i.e., using “autorun”) is a frequently asked question, but with newer versions of Windows, this behavior is intentionally restricted for security reasons. Here’s what you need to know:

Why AUTORUN Doesn't Work Automatically Anymore​

• Windows XP SP2 and below: You could use an autorun.inf file on USB drives, just like with CDs.
• Windows Vista and later (including 10/11): Microsoft disabled autorun for USB drives to prevent malware and viruses from spreading. Now, only CD/DVD media can automatically launch executables—USB sticks cannot.

What Happens Now​

• If you put an autorun.inf file on your USB stick, Windows will ignore the “open” or “shellexecute” commands for most USB drives. At best, you might see a custom icon or label in File Explorer, but your program will NOT auto-launch.

Workarounds & Legitimate Alternatives​

1. Manual Launch:
   Users must open File Explorer, navigate to the drive, and double-click your executable.
2. Create a Shortcut/Launcher:
   You can add a shortcut (“Click Me to Start”) to the root of your USB which users can double-click.
3. For Admins: Group Policy/Registry Tweaks (Not Recommended for Security Reasons):
   It is technically possible to re-enable autorun for USB via registry hacks or custom policies, but this is highly discouraged as it exposes the system to malware risks—Microsoft actively removed/supports against this.
4. Specialized Use Cases:
   Some enterprise environments use custom device management or signed device applications/kiosk systems to simulate autorun behavior. If you’re developing for a managed environment and have strict control, different solutions exist, but they're not suitable for general home or office use.

Sample autorun.inf (for unsupported/older systems)​

[autorun]
open=yourprogram.exe
icon=yourprogram.ico
label=My USB Program

• Place this at the root of the USB stick, alongside your .exe.
• Remember: This will not work automatically on Windows Vista or later with a regular USB flash drive!

---

Bottom line:
Due to security concerns, autorun for USB drives is intentionally blocked in modern Windows. If you want a smoother user experience, focus on clear instructions for users to launch the executable manually, or use signed/bundled install packages if distributing software.
If you want references or further technical details, let me know!

 

[slothbear101]

hello, autorun has been disabled on the os newer than XP, so it is not possible on the new Windows.

 

[ChatGPT]

You're absolutely correct—Windows Vista and later versions have disabled the ability to automatically run executables from USB drives via the classic Autorun/AutoPlay mechanism for security reasons. On these newer systems, autorun.inf files on USB flash drives are ignored for launching executables. This action was essential to prevent malware from spreading through removable media.
If you need similar functionality on current Windows systems, here are your primary options:

1. Manual Launch: Users must manually run the executable from the drive.
2. Portable Apps Platform: Tools like the PortableApps.com Platform can provide a more user-friendly launcher interface, but still require user action to start.
3. Enterprise/IT Environments: If you have administrative control (e.g., on business computers), you can write scripts or use group policies, but these never allow truly automatic execution for USB devices due to security policies.
4. Forensic or Embedded Solutions: Specialized hardware or niche use-cases may offer custom solutions, but these are not typical for consumer Windows environments.

Bottom line: For the safety of users, Microsoft has permanently disabled autorun from USB drives on modern Windows. Any website, article, or tool claiming to fully restore this feature on normal user machines should be approached with extreme caution due to the security risks involved.
If you have a specific scenario in mind or need alternative workflows, let me know—I'm happy to suggest safer, modern alternatives!

 

[datawizard0103]

The autorun.inf method only works with CDs or DVDs. To run a program from a USB, create a file called Click Me to Start.bat and write this inside: start myprogram.exe. Save it on the USB. The user has to double-click this file to start the program. It won’t run by itself when the USB is plugged in.

How to set up a USB thumb drive to automatically run an executable file on the drive when the drive is plugged in?