The systems that we use in our offices or workplaces often have multiple problems when not used properly. Most systems do not respond to specific unauthorised drives that are not suitable for the System. USB connections are something that can access your files or data if left unattended.
If you come across problems that show zero response to your connected device, then it is because of a disabled USB port. Disabling a USB port connection of your desktop is helpful in many ways as it is like anti-theft protection that makes sure your files are safe.
It is a common phenomenon on a windows system where the user can disable the USB port for their safety. If you are wondering how to disable a USB connection, then these are the few steps that you need to remember. As per Window Hustle, here the following below methods you should follow to block the extra USB ports.
Article Breakdown
Methods to Disable USB Port
The steps that include disabling USB port are as follows:
- The first thing that one needs to do is type start then goes to menu and type “Regedit” that will open the Registry editor in the search box. The most important step after this is taking a backup before proceeding. There won’t be any harm to your PC if there is a two-minute backup.
- For a backup, what one needs to do is go to File and select export and save the File to a location that will be accessible on the computer. Also, any changes in the Registry editor can cause severe damage to the setting on the System. Therefore, what one needs to do is seek technical help.
- The next step is to navigate to the key of the local machine system. In the right hand of the panel, there is a start option where one needs to the right-click.
- The next thing that will appear is a sub-menu where what you need to do next is choose the Modify option. The next thing that will appear on your screen is a pop-up window where all you need to make sure is that the value is three.
- The value of three means that the port is enabled. If you want to disable the port, and then make sure you change the value to four.
- The last step would be to click on OK to make changes to the settings.
However, this was the first method when it comes to disabling a USB port from Regedit there are other methods as well that make sure your USB port is disabled and has total security when it comes to talking about your files.
Reinstalling mass storage drivers to unblock/unblock USB ports:
The next way by which you can protect files from unwanted theft is by uninstalling or reinstalling mass USB storage drivers. The steps one needs to follow are as follows:
The first step is going to the start menu option and type “devmgmt.msc.” you need to type this on the search box, which will open the Device Manager.
The second step will be to click on Universal serial bus controllers or what we call USB. In this, you will get the list of USB ports after you click on the USB option.What you need to do next is uninstall the driver in your System to disable the port. There will be multiple options that will help you achieve or reinstall your drivers in the future.
To reinstall, all one needs to do is plug-in the USB drive, and Windows will automatically check for drivers. If there are no drivers, found then Windows will automatically help prompt to install a driver.
Device manager also helps disable USB ports:
Device manager is another option that is there when you want to disable the USB port in your computer from data capture or any false file recovery or data transfer.
- The first step here involves going to the Start menu and type “devmgmt.msc” like what you would do when reinstalling or uninstalling a mass driver. Device manager will open next in after typing “devmgmt.msc” in the search box.
- What you will need to click next is on the USB or the Universal Bus Controller.
- The list of USB ports is going to be available on the screen after clicking on the USB option.
- The last thing you need to do is right-click on the USB port and either enable or disable the port as per your wish.
Group Policy Editor:
Using Group Policy editor is another option then it comes to disabling a USB port on the desktop or System.
- The first step will be to click on your desktop and press the Windows key + R. pressing this will open the Group Policy Editor in the System.
- The next step is to go to Computer configuration then next you would have to click on Administrative Templates and then System. Clicking on System will open Removable storage access.
- After doing so on the right-hand side panel, you need to locate All Removable Storage Classes and select Deny All Access. Make sure you double click on the tab for changing any settings.
- When you click on the All Removable Storage Classes Then Deny all access appears on the screen, you need to then select on the Disabled option.
- The last step would be to apply to save the changes made in the settings.
Disconnecting USB ports:
Having a desktop that is not for your personal use may result in a lot of data erase or even misuse of your files. It is not always possible to disconnect the USB ports from your motherboard. What you can do is disconnect the ones that are on the top and are in front of the computer.
Plugging out the cable from the USB holder is the solution to avoid theft in your files. The ports that are disconnected are protected and have a low chance of data misuse.
Third-party software to avoid data misuse:
Third-party software is often helpful to disable a USB port. These tools are available for blocking the USB port with the help of installation. A SysTools blocker is third-party software that will block all ports from any machine.
The first step would be to log in to the primary credentials for the machine. The software has a separate password to recover any lost user password from your email address; use this tool to block or unblock USB ports on multiple desktops or laptops.
All one needs to do is click on the download button to get it.
The third-party tools work on Windows 7 software and that checks an illegal activity happening in your System and keeps the network secure. What one must note is that the third-party tools come with data-leak prevention, authorises trusted USBs, saves up login activity of the user.
Hence, the tools used to safeguard your files are secure and also readily available with just one click. It is essential to know which third-party tool is essential to your System and what would suit.
Therefore, whether it is disabling your USB port through third-party software or using the methods mentioned above, it is essential to know all the detailed procedures at all times with the System.