Block and Enable usage of USB Removable Disks

This tip will allow you to block usage of USB removable disks, but will continue to allow usage of USB mice, keyboards or any other USB-based device that is NOT a portable disk.

Block usage of USB Removable Disks

To block your computer's ability to use USB Removable Disks follow these steps:

1. Open Registry Editor.

2. In Registry Editor, navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\USBSTOR

3. Locate the following value (DWORD):Start and give it a value of 4(four).

4. Close Registry Editor.

You do not need to reboot the computer for changes to apply.

Enable usage of USB Removable Disks

To return to the default configuration and enable your computer's ability to use USB Removable Disks follow these steps:

1. Go to the registry path found above.

2. Locate the following value: Start and give it a value of 3(three).