Summary of some simple ways to disable USB ports on Windows computers

Unlocking USB ports in BIOS is not difficult. However, how to lock computer USB ports ? Let's find out with WebTech360!

USB port is a component available on every computer. It is the place where you connect your PC to portable storage, allowing you to access data that is not on the current system. It is very useful, however, when used, it can potentially be infected with viruses. In this case, block the USB port.

In the article below, WebTech360 will guide you through some simple ways to disable USB ports in Windows operating system.

1. Disable USB port by disabling Autorun

Most malware spreads via USB devices due to the Autorun feature automatically executing a file mentioned in the autorun.inf file located at the root of the USB device directory tree.

Therefore, the best way is to disable Autorun to disable USB ports, preventing malware and viruses from attacking your computer.

To do this, follow the steps below:

1. First press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run command window, then type Gpedit.msc into it.

2. On the new window that appears on the screen, you navigate by key:

Computer Configuration => Administrative Templates => Windows Components

Next click Autoplay Policies .

If you are using Windows XP, navigate to the key:

Computer Configuration => Administrative Templates => System

4. In the Details panel , double-click Turn off Autoplay .

5. Click Enabled, then on the Turn off Autoplays dialog box, click All drivers to disable Autorun on all drives.

2. Using BIOS

This is the simplest and easiest way to do it. When starting the computer, press Delete, F2, F8... to access BIOS. Here, find Advanced Settings or Onboard Devices (depending on the different types of mainboards, the shortcut keys to access and the order of the menus are also different):

In the USB Configuration section , change Enable to Disable , then press F10 to save changes and restart the system.

3. Disable USB Ports via Registry

To disable USB ports on Windows computers via Registry, follow the steps below:

1. Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run command window. Or alternatively, click Start, then click Run .

2. Next, on the Run window, go there to open Registry Editor.

3. On the Registry Editor window, navigate to the key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\usbstor

4. Next in the right pane, double-click Start .

5. In the Value Data box , set the value to 4 and then click OK .

6. Finally close the Registry Editor window and refresh your computer.

7. If you want to re-enable the USB port, follow the same steps and set the value in the Value Data box to 3.

4. Disable USB ports via Device Manager

This is one of the simple ways to disable USB ports on Windows 7 and Windows 8.

1. Type device manage into the Search box on the Start Menu, then press Enter to open the Device manager window.

2. On the Device Manager window, find and click Universal Serial Bus Controllers (USB) .

3. Double click on the specific USB port.

4. On the USB Root dialog window, click the Driver tab.

5. Click Disable .

5. Disable USB ports using software

You can download or buy the best software and tools to protect your Windows 7 computer from data loss and theft when enabling or disabling USB ports. In addition, you can download USB Drive Disable Pro to enable or disable USB ports on Windows 7 computers / laptops.

Download USB Drive Disable Pro to your computer and install it here .

6. Disable USB Ports on Windows 7 Using USB Mass Storage

Whenever you plug in a USB drive on your Windows computer, Windows will check for driver installation or not. If Windows does not find a USB driver, then you will have to install the USB driver. Once the USB driver is installed, you can access the Pendrive or any other USB device on your Windows computer.

7. Disable USB ports using Group Policy Editor

Group Policy Editor is a built-in tool on Windows that allows you to personalize your computer or network settings. In this case, you can use it to block USB on your computer.

1. Use Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter . Windows will now open the Local Group Policy Editor .
3. Using the left-hand menu, go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Removable Storage Access .
4. On the right side of the window, locate and open Removable Disks: Deny execute access .
5. Select Enabled and click Apply > OK .
6. Open Removable Disks: Deny read access , select Enabled and save the new system settings.

If you need to re-enable the USB port, repeat the steps above and select Not Configured for both settings.

See more articles below:

• Create Windows Password Reset Disk on Windows 7 using USB Flash Drive

• Summary of some ways to fix USB Device Not Recognized error on Windows 7, 8 and 10

• Fix “This Device Can Perform Faster” error when connecting USB device

Good luck!