Autorun is a type of virus that spreads through the Autoplay mechanism when you connect an external memory device to your computer. This type of malware spreads very quickly through the file transfer via USB mechanism. If users do not have a safe method to protect their computers, there is a high possibility of infection with this virus, resulting in various consequences for data and the computer.
However, dealing with this type of virus is relatively simple. If you do not have antivirus software, you can manually remove the Autorun virus from your computer or laptop for safety. It is advisable to install antivirus software for your computer.
For Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7
Step 1: Press the Windows + R key combination, enter the command line gpedit.msc
Step 2: Open the path Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/System/Removable Storage Access.
Step 3: In the right-hand list, double-click on the Removable Disks: Deny execute access item
Step 4: Check the Enable option, then click OK
Step 5: Restart your computer, press the Windows + R key combination, type cmd to open the Command Prompt window
Step 6: Type the command line gpupdate /force, then press Enter
Step 7: Wait for the process to complete, then restart your computer.
For Windows XP
Step 1: Press the Windows + R key combination, enter secpol.msc
Step 2: Select Software Restriction Policies, click Additional Rules
Step 3: Right-click on the keys in that section, choose Delete
Step 4: Right-click on the Additional Rules section and select New Path Rules…
Step 5: Choose the hard drive partitions on your computer, select Unrestricted, then click OK
Step 6: Click on Security Levels
Step 7: Right-click on the Disallowed section, select Set as Default
Step 8: Click back to Software Restriction Policies and select Enforcement
Step 9: Check the option All software files except libraries (such as DLLs), then click OK
Step 10: Restart your computer, press Windows + R, type cmd to open the Command Prompt window
Step 11: Enter the command gpupdate /force, then press Enter.
Step 12: Wait for the process to complete, then restart your computer. From now on, autorun files will not be able to run automatically from external drives
Some notes about autorun virus
The above actions only support blocking the spread of viruses through autoplay when plugging in external storage devices. If you still copy infected files from USB to your computer, you will still be infected with the virus.
The actions only support blocking the spread from USB to the computer, not the other way around
Every computer needs to be equipped with antivirus software to ensure safety and prevent virus spread
So with just a few command lines, you can remove autorun viruses on your computer, laptop. However, this is just a manual method. You need to protect yourself with professional antivirus software along with ways to protect yourself from daily virus threats. You can also protect USB from autorun with some simple commands.
