Disable USB Removable Mass Storage Device Drive Access in Windows
It’s possible to simply disable USB ports support in PC BIOS in order to prevent and forbid computer user from using USB removable flash drive or mass storage device (portable hard disk drive) to copy and transfer data and files. However, disabling USB ports totally also shutdown the ability for system to use USB based keyboard, mouse, webcam, printer, scanner and etc, which has become a common connectivity norm in modern computer.
As a workaround, use the following registry hack to stop USB Mass Storage Device drivers from starting when the system boots up.
- Run Registry Editor (regedit).
- Navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor
- In the right pane, double click on the Start value name.
- Change the value data to 4 to disable the removable USB mass storage device drive access.
- To revert and re-enable the drive access for removable USB mass storage device driver, change back the value data for Start to its original default of 3.
The change will take effect immediately to block any USB mass storage device such as USB flash drive, USB key and portable harddisk from been used in the system, while still allowing hardware components to work properly via USB connection. The hack works in most Windows operating system such as Windows Vista, XP, Windows Server 2008, 2003 and 2000.
For user who dare not to modify the registry manually, simply download the following registration entries file to enable or disable the USB drive. Extract the downloaded content in .ZIP format, and then double click on the .REG file to open and apply or merge the registry values to system.
Download DisableUSBDrive.reg
Download EnableUSBDrive.reg
IntelliAdmin also has a free tool named USB Drive Disabler that automatically change the registry key value accordingly to enable or disable the USB drives on Windows 2000, 2003, 2008, XP and Vista system with just one click. In Windows Vista, the program has to be run as administrator.
Select Disable USB Drives or Enable USB Drivers and then click on Apply to set the registry setting accordingly.
Download IntelliAdmin USB Drive Disabler: DisableUSB_Free.exe
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Entries (RSS)
October 29th, 2009 15:58
it’s worked. thanks pisan euy..
August 26th, 2009 01:26
This Answer very useful to me
thank you very much
and one thing
If sometime not open registry editor while virus in the system, what to do that time please send ans anybody
July 29th, 2009 02:42
the problem is that while the registry setting DOES disable USB drives, the second you plug in a new USB drive, one that hasn’t been seen on the system yet, Plug&Play takes control, and resets the registry setting to 3, allowing full control over the USB drive.. I wish there was a way to mess with P&P so that I could disable it..
July 8th, 2009 11:41
Thank you so much! I really needed this…
March 30th, 2009 15:16
Don’t make such hassles. Just go forward and try the best software for such a task. its uHook 2.1 and its awesome because it selectively allows/blocks access to required USB device. Download it from dataresolve.com and from my experience it delivers exactly what is claims. Using it you can password protect and enable and disable your USB data transfers when required and even keep them under check. As for the price, it gives other companies a run for their product because uHook has an excellent product and an excellent pricing.
March 2nd, 2009 13:52
Thank you Very much !!!
This It So Helpful For Me.
January 15th, 2009 15:48
Thanks alot it is working fine desktop and laptop as well and there is no problem like Wireless mous.
Godd job……
sajeer
January 6th, 2009 14:55
thanks….
December 17th, 2008 14:43
i don’t have acess to registry editor in my login
bec it is disabled by office it dep
plc do tell me
i rely need that
and i am not going to use this for wrong porpose
December 17th, 2008 03:38
Easy to “un-hack”. Plug in a USB storage device. Go to Device Manager. Uninstall the USB storage device. Restart computer. Picks it right backup.
Anything better?
December 14th, 2008 02:25
Thanks alot for this helpful tips.
November 24th, 2008 16:09
Sorry it seems i done some mistake. It works when using your disableusb.reg.
Thanks.
November 24th, 2008 11:05
I have used the registry hack but when i change my flash drive the registry hack don’t work
it seems the dword value back to 3. Please advice.
Thanks
November 18th, 2008 18:28
Thank you Very much !!!
this worked like a charm! now i need to roll this out to 120 users
June 26th, 2008 01:20
[...] is a registry hack that able to disable the USB drive access to USB mass storage device such as flash drive, USB key, thumb drive, pendrive and portable hard disk while keeping the USB [...]