AutoRun is a feature that allows the launch of various programs that are contained in removable media such as CDs, DVDs and USBs automatically. This feature was basically designed for the convenience of users, but it was eventually used by some malware writers as well in order to bring their malicious code into the victim’s computers just like the Stuxnet and Conficker worms. Knowing these possibilities, Microsoft launched the Windows 7 platform and managed to do some changes on how AutoRun as well as a related feature called AutoPlay runs in order to reduce the risk from being infected with various types of worms.
As a result, the Windows 7 platform did not present an option to autorun programs that are contained on a non-optical media. So if ever a USB stick will be inserted into a Windows 7 computer, the OS will not give an option to autorun its content. This action is expected to reduce the risk of getting infected with various types of worms that may be found on those removable media inserted in a computer. And as observed by some experts, it seem that these changes made by Microsoft to Windows 7 have really reduced the risk of getting infected with malwares.
Because of this, Microsoft’s latest round of patches that was released lately include an optional update that will shut-off the autorun capability for users of the older version of Windows operating systems like the Windows Vista and Windows XP. With this security update, programs will no longer execute automatically whenever USB devices like external hard drives or flash drive sticks are attached to the computer. This will prevent even those disguised malwares from automatically loading thus, preventing your computer from getting infected with various worms.
However, this will also affect even legitimate programs that are stored on these USB storage devices. With this update, users will still be able to see the AutoRun menu whenever a USB storage device is being inserted, but the difference is that there will no longer be an option to run the program from those removable media.
Windows users have different reaction about this update, some likes it and some do not. And for those Windows users that do not like a disabled AutoRun, Microsoft is also providing a Fix It that will reverse the said changes.
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Tags: Microsoft Windows, turn-off autorun patch download, turn-off autorun update, turn-off autorun windows xp, windows vista turn-off autorun
