Auto-configuration is the automatic configuration of devices without manual intervention, without any need for software configuration programs or jumpers.
Ideally, auto-configuring devices should just "plug and play".
Auto-configuration has been made common because of the low cost of microprocessors and other embedded controller devices.
Configurations may be stored in NVRAM, loaded by a host processor, or negotiated at system initialization time.
In some cases, hot pluggable devices may be able to renegotiate their configuration.