autorun.inf can be abused by malware to launch code when you plug a drive in. Here is how to remove it and prevent auto‑run from re‑enabling the infection.
Clean with UsbFix (Recommended)
- Download and run UsbFix.
- Plug in all removable drives.
- Run Scan then Clean to remove malicious autorun entries.
Manual Removal
- Show hidden/protected files in File Explorer.
- Command Prompt (Admin), for each drive (e.g.,
F:):F:attrib -h -r -s /s /d autorun.infdel /f /a autorun.inf - Check persistence (Run keys, scheduled tasks, proxy configs).
Prevention
- Configure AutoPlay in Windows to block auto‑execution.
- Consider limiting scripts: Disable Windows Script Host.
- Harden endpoints: USBGuard – Protect USB Ports and learn about BadUSB.
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