• Turn off USB ports. Closing access to USB flash drives Favorites

    Do you want to protect the data on your computer under Windows control 10 by blocking or disabling USB drives on your PC? In this guide, we'll look at five easy ways to enable or disable USB drives in Windows 10.

    Blocking USB drives in Windows 10 can be done in different ways. You can use the Registry, BIOS or third party utilities to enable or disable USB drives in Windows 10.

    Below are five ways to enable or disable USB drives in Windows 10.

    Method 1 of 5

    Enable or disable USB drives in Windows 10 using the registry

    If you're comfortable making changes to the Windows registry, you can enable or disable USB drives in Windows 10 by manually editing the registry. Here's how to do it.

    Step 1: Open Registry Editor

    Step 2: Continue to the next section:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\USBSTOR

    Step 3: Now on the right side double click on the option "Start" and change its value to 4 to disable USB drives on your Windows 10 PC. Change the Start value to 3 to enable USB drives and storage devices on your PC.

    Method 2 of 5

    Enable or disable USB ports through Device Manager

    Did you know that you can disable all USB ports using Device Manager? By disabling USB ports, you prevent users from using USB ports to connect USB drives to your computer.

    When you disable USB ports, the USBs on your PC will not work and hence no one will be able to connect USB drives. You will need to re-enable the USB ports to connect devices via USB. Here's how to enable or disable USB ports using Device Manager.

    Step 1: Right click on the button "Start" on the taskbar and select .

    Step 2: Expand USB controllers. Right-click on all the entries one by one, and click "Disable device". Click "Yes" when you see a confirmation dialog.

    Method 3 of 5

    Use USB Drive Disabler to enable or disable USB drives

    If you don't want to edit the registry manually, you can use free tool called USB Drive Disabler For quick start or disabling USB drives on your PC. Simply download USB Disabler, launch it, and then select Enable USB Drives or Disable USB Drives to enable or disable USB drives on your PC.

    Method 4 of 5

    Disable or enable USB ports in BIOS

    Some manufacturers offer an option in the BIOS/UEFI to disable or enable USB ports. Boot into BIOS/UEFI and check if there is an option to disable or enable USB ports. Check your PC's user manual to see if there is an option to enable or disable USB ports in the BIOS/UEFI.

    Method 5 out of 5

    Enabling or disabling USB storage devices USB Guard

    Nomesoft USB Guard- one more free utility to block USB drives on computers running Windows 10 and above earlier versions Windows. You must use this program as an administrator to enable or disable USB storage devices.

    Protection from USB recording disks - can be useful as additional option security.

    You can enable USB ports on a laptop through the BIOS, Device Manager, Registry Editor, or Group Policy Editor. If access to the USB connectors was intentionally denied using special software, then you can unlock it in the program where the interface is blocked. All methods are available ordinary users and do not require special training.

    Disabling unnecessary devices

    If the USB ports suddenly stopped working and you are now looking for how to turn them on, then the first thing to do is see if the device is connected to the laptop a lot. When using a USB hub, the laptop may not be able to supply power to all devices, causing the USB ports to become unresponsive. Before you do USB setup in the BIOS, disconnect unnecessary equipment from the laptop and check if the ports work. If nothing has changed, then reboot the laptop and go into the BIOS.

    Enabling ports in BIOS

    For BIOS input When loading, press Delete, F2 or another key depending on the model motherboard. You can view it on the start screen.

    In the case of a laptop, this screen does not appear because the function fast loading. You can temporarily disable this technology in the power settings:


    Restart your computer. Without quick launch you will see all stages of Windows boot and can get into the BIOS. If this doesn't work on Windows 8 or 10 with UEFI BIOS, try the following method:


    After reboot, select "Diagnostics", then go to " Additional options" and open the UEFI Firmware Settings. Click "Reboot", the next time you start, the BIOS UEFI interface will appear.

    To configure USB ports in UEFI, you need to go to the “Peripherals” tab and set the “Legacy USB Support” parameter to “Enabled”. If support for USB 3.0 ports is required, activate the corresponding item (USB 3.0 Support).

    In the AMI BIOS, go to the “Integrated Peripherals” section and set the four options to “Enabled”:

    • USB EHCI Controller.
    • USB Mouse Support.
    • USB Keyboard Support.
    • Legacy USB Storage Detect.

    In Phoenix AwardBIOS, you need to go to the “Advanced” tab and go to the “USB configuration” section. All parameters inside must be set to “Enabled” in order for USB ports worked.

    In all BIOS versions, to save the configuration, you must press the F10 key and confirm the selection by writing “Y”.

    Windows setup

    If the ports are enabled in the BIOS, but connected via the interface USB devices are not detected by the system, then check the Registry Editor, Device Manager and Group Policy Editor. It is possible that changes were made to the system through them, due to which the ports are no longer working. You should start with the Registry Editor.


    If USB support is enabled in the Registry Editor, check the controller drivers in Device Manager.


    If you see an icon next to the controller that looks like exclamation point, and you are sure that the interface is supported in the registry editor, then this means that there are problems with the drivers. First try updating the software:


    If update software controller did not help, update the motherboard driver. Download it from the manufacturer's website and install it manually. Another way to update the drivers of all controllers at once is to remove them from the system. Right-click on the controllers and select "Delete". After a reboot, the system will automatically install controller drivers, so you no longer have to worry about how to enable the USB ports - they will work just like that.

    If only removable devices connected via USB do not work, check in the Group Policy Editor to see if a read ban is set.


    Find the option " Removable devices: Deny Reading" and set it to "Disable". Problem identifying flash drives and external drives must disappear.

    Hardware damage to ports

    If your laptop's USB ports are damaged or south bridge on motherboard, then no methods will help enable the interface. Therefore, if the connectors stop working after mechanical impact or liquid getting inside the case, short circuit or other negative factors, you should take the laptop to a service center for diagnostics.

    Sometimes it becomes necessary to disable USB ports on a computer or laptop in order to limit access by connecting flash drives, hard drives and other USB devices. Disabling USB ports will help prevent the connection of any drives that could be used for theft important information or cause your computer to become infected with a virus and spread malicious software across the local network.

    Restricting access to USB ports

    Let's consider 7 ways, with which you can block USB ports:

    1. Disabling USB through BIOS settings
    2. Changing registry settings for USB devices
    3. Disabling USB ports in Device Manager
    4. Uninstalling USB controller drivers
    5. Usage Microsoft Fix It 50061
    6. Using additional programs
    7. Physical disabling USB ports

    1. Disabling USB ports through BIOS settings

    1. Sign in BIOS settings.
    2. Disable all items related to the USB controller (for example, USB Controller or Legacy USB Support).
    3. After you have made these changes, you need to save the settings and exit the BIOS. This is usually done using the key F10.
    4. Restart your computer and make sure the USB ports are disabled.

    2. Enable and Disable USB Drives Using Registry Editor

    If disabling via BIOS does not suit you, you can block access directly in the Windows OS itself using the registry.

    The instructions below allow you to block access to various USB drives (for example flash drives), but other devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners will still work.

    1. Open the Start menu -> Run, enter the command " regedit" and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
    2. Continue to next section

      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\USBSTOR

    3. On the right side of the window, find the item “ Start” and double-click on it to edit. Enter the value " 4 » to block access to USB storage devices. Accordingly, if you enter the value again “ 3 ", access will be reopened.

    Click OK, close Registry Editor, and restart your computer.

    The above method only works when installed driver USB controller. If for security reasons the driver has not been installed, the "Start" parameter value may be automatically reset to "3" when the user connects USB drive and Windows will install the driver.

    3. Disable USB ports in Device Manager

    1. Right-click on the " Computer» and select in context menu"Properties" item. A window will open on the left side of which you need to click on the link “ device Manager».
    2. In the device manager tree, find the item " USB controllers" and open it.
    3. Disable controllers by right-clicking and selecting the "Disable" menu item.

    This method doesn't always work. In the example shown in the figure above, disabling the controllers (the first 2 points) did not lead to the desired result. Disabling the 3rd option (USB Mass Storage Device) worked, but it only allows you to disable a single instance of the USB storage device.

    4. Removing USB controller drivers

    Alternatively, to disable ports, you can simply uninstall USB driver controller. But the disadvantage of this method is that when the user connects a USB drive, Windows will check for drivers and, if they are missing, will offer to install the driver. This in turn will allow access to the USB device.

    5. Prevent users from connecting USB storage devices using a Microsoft application

    Another way to deny access to USB drives is to use Microsoft Fix It 50061(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823732/ru - the link may open near the mituta). The essence of this method is that 2 conditions for solving the problem are considered:

    • The USB drive has not yet been installed on the computer
    • The USB device is already connected to the computer

    Within the framework of this article, we will not consider this method in detail, especially since you can study it in detail on the Microsoft website using the link given above.

    It should also be taken into account that this method Not suitable for all versions of Windows OS.

    6. Using programs to disable/enable access to USB storage devices

    There are many programs for setting a ban on access to USB ports. Let's consider one of them - the program USB Drive Disabler.

    The program has a simple set of settings that allow you to deny/allow access to certain drives. USB Drive Disabler also allows you to configure alerts and access levels.

    7. Disconnecting USB from the motherboard

    Although physical shutdown USB ports on the motherboard are an almost impossible task; you can disable the ports located on the front or top of the computer case by disconnecting the cable going to the motherboard. This method will not completely block access to USB ports, but will reduce the likelihood of using drives inexperienced users and those who are simply too lazy to connect devices to the back of the system unit.

    ! Addition

    Denying access to removable media through the Group Policy Editor

    In modern Windows versions it is possible to restrict access to removable storage devices (including USB drives) using the local editor group policy.

    1. Run gpedit.msc through the Run window (Win + R).
    2. Go to the next branch " Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Access to Removable Storage Devices»
    3. On the right side of the screen, find the item " Removable drives: Deny reading."
    4. Activate this option ("Enable" position).

    This section of Local Group Policy allows you to configure read, write, and execute access for different classes of removable media.

    If the USB ports on your PC are not working and Windows settings and driver updates do not help, perhaps the controller was disabled in the BIOS. In this case, you will need to go to the configuration menu and turn everything back on.

    There are many different versions BIOS with its own interfaces and subtleties of operation. Also, a more modern complex can work on your computer - UEFI, which supports a full GUI interface. This article discusses the distributions that are most often installed on motherboards.

    Entering BIOS settings

    To start changing the configuration, you need to go to the corresponding menu. It can be opened during power on personal computer- before it started Windows boot from the hard drive.

    Turn on your PC. In case it is already running: reboot. Wait sound signal speaker: a short single beep indicates that everything is internal components, necessary for the computer to operate, have been detected.

    Now you need to click hotkey to call the configuration. This must be done before changing the screen. If you don't have time and Windows starts loading, reboot. The keys depend on the installed motherboard model and version BIOS firmware. You can find it in the user manual that came with the motherboard, on the manufacturer’s official website, or view on your PC screen when loading it:

    If you don't know the board model, it's okay. Just try pressing the following keys: Tab, Delete, Esc, F1, F2, F8, F10, F11, F12. One of them will definitely do.

    You don't have to try just 1 option at a time. You can quickly press all the buttons from the list without any problems. One of them will come up and launch the BIOS settings, and the rest will be ignored.

    Entering the BIOS/UEFI settings of the latest PCs

    Many modern computers boot up so quickly that you won't be able to access the keystrokes when you turn them on. This is also true for laptops. That's why latest versions Windows OS has acquired new feature launch. Let's show it using Windows 8.1 as an example.


    Your computer or laptop will reboot into setup mode. After restarting your PC, you will also be able to select option to run from a USB drive or DVD.

    Menu navigation

    Almost all BIOS versions are devoid of GUI. This means that you will have to work only using the keyboard, as in, for example, Windows console. Navigation is carried out using the up-down and right-left arrows. To open any section, use the Enter key to go back - “Escape”. A small reminder of the keys used is always shown on the screen.

    Firmware complex UEFI installed on the most expensive and powerful motherboards. He supports more drivers and can use a mouse. Its interface will be familiar Windows users and other modern operating systems.

    Each version has its own interface and sets of options. Even the names of the same parameters may differ. The following article describes several popular BIOS releases.

    AMI BIOS

    A very common option that can be found on many modern computers. The main menu is divided into 2 parts: a list of categories and various actions, such as exit or save. You will be working on the left side.

    You need to go to the section called “ Integrated Peripherals" There is no Russian version of the interface, so all commands are only in English. Use the Down arrow to highlight this item and press Enter.

    Here you need to enable ( Enabled) 4 options:

    • USB EHCI controller– main controller. If the motherboard has version 3.0 ports, this item will be divided into 2 parts: “Controller” and “Controller 2.0”;
    • USB Keyboard Support– keyboard support;
    • USB Mouse Support– mouse support;
    • – work with external data storage: flash drives, disk drives, disks of smartphones and digital cameras.

    In some older versions there are only 2 points " USB controller" And " Legacy USB storage support».

    When you are done with the settings, press the F10 key to save changes made and restart your computer.

    Phoenix AwardBIOS

    Another popular version that can often be found on modern laptops. Doesn't have home page, like AMI, but with convenient thematic tabs at the top. You can move between sections using the left and right arrows, and between items using the up and down arrows.

    Go to the section " Advanced» using the Right arrow. In it, find the category “ USB configuration" All items in this section must be moved to the position “ Enabled" In some versions the category " USB configuration" may be located in the " tab Peripherals" and not in "Advanced".

    To exit the menu, press F10 and confirm exit.

    AMI BIOS for Asus

    AMI version used on Asus laptops. Externally it is very similar to Phoenix - a similar bookmarks bar. Settings USB are in the section " Advanced" Go there, enable all options and exit using the F10 button.

    UEFI

    Contrary to popular belief, UEFI is not part of the BIOS. It can rather be called a more advanced, but less popular competitor. Exists large number different versions, each with its own interfaces. However, here the controls are similar to the usual Windows, so you can easily find the options you need.

    Windows Settings

    If at the BIOS level all ports and controllers are enabled, but the USB ports still do not work, there may be a problem in the settings of your Windows system.

    First, just try disconnect and reconnect the device. This will check if the drivers are correct. If there's something wrong with them, Windows will try to reinstall them.

    If nothing happens when you reconnect, try turn on the controller V Windows registry. To do this you need to do the following:


    Video: how to configure any BIOS to boot from a USB flash drive

    I already told you how disable touchpad or webcam on a laptop, keyboard and mouse... today we will talk about how to disable usb ports on any computer. This can protect your data from theft or prevent your computer from being infected using a flash drive.

    Easily and simply disable USB ports

    Simple and free computer program USB Ports Disabler does not do anything special - it only allows, without delving into the jungle of the operating system, to disable and enable the USBSTOR service, which is responsible for the operation of all USB ports on the computer, with one click of the mouse.

    When this service is deactivated, the system stops seeing them - this is convenient to use for security purposes. So in a simple way we will close the loophole for introducing viruses into a computer using external media and at the same time prevent the possibility of stealing (copying) our data from it.

    What I liked most about this program is that it disables USB ports only for external storage media (flash drives, disks, third-party drives...), and things such as a USB adapter wireless mouse, continues to define itself and work - great.

    So, launch USB Ports Disabler and click on the button labeled “Disable USB”...

    ...we agree to disable the USB ports (if I were the author of the program, I would remove the second window - why is this intermediate confirmation?) ...



    That's it - the ports are disabled. The manufacturer recommends rebooting the system, but this is not necessary, as I have seen. If, when you disconnected the ports, you had a flash drive sticking out in one of them, then you are not surprised that it continues to be detected - remove it from the port and try to connect it again... that’s all, the computer no longer sees it.

    So that the computer can see the light again and be able to determine external media information, just click on the second button in the main program window - “Enable USB”.

    I don’t recommend clicking the rightmost button with the inscription “Hide IP Address” - you will be redirected to the browser, to the page of some VPN service. Apparently the author earns money this way—let’s not blame him for that. There are others to hide the IP address free and reliable methods.

    Download USB Ports Disabler

    On official page USB programs Ports Disabler You will find two buttons with links to download the regular and portable versions...

    They weigh a little more than 1 MB each. The program works wonderfully in all operating rooms Windows systems(XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 (32\64-bit)).

    To new useful and interesting computer programs.

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