By default, Windows prompts you with an “AutoPlay” notification when you connect a USB drive, giving you the choice to “Configure storage settings,” “Open folder to view files,” or “Do nothing.” If this feature doesn’t fit your needs or is more of a hassle, you can easily modify its behavior.
To disable AutoPlay completely, head to “Settings” from the Start menu, navigate to “Bluetooth and devices > AutoPlay,” and turn off the “Use AutoPlay for all media and devices” toggle.
If you’d rather set specific actions for different types of devices, you can do so under “Choose AutoPlay defaults” in the same settings window. Options include “Open folder to view files” for immediate access to your USB contents or “Take no action” to avoid automatic prompts altogether.