Disable USB ports in a windows computer

We can disable USB ports in a windows computer in multiple ways. It depends on the user requirement and level at which the user needs to disable the USB ports.

Method 1: Disable USB Ports via BIOS

1. Enter BIOS Setup:
   • Restart your computer and press the key (usually Delete, F2, or Esc) to enter the BIOS setup.
2. Disable USB Ports:
   • Navigate through the BIOS menus to find the option to disable onboard USB ports. This is often found under Advanced settings or a similar section.
   • Disable all USB options and Legacy USB support options.
3. Save and Exit:
   • Save your changes (usually by pressing F10) and exit the BIOS.
   • Reboot your computer and verify that the USB ports are disabled.

Method 2: Disable USB Ports via Windows Registry

1. Open Registry Editor:
   • Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to USBSTOR:
   • Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\USBSTOR.
3. Modify Start Value:
   • Locate the Start DWORD, double-click it, and change the value to 4 to disable USB storage devices.
   • Close the Registry Editor.

Method 3: Disable USB Ports via Device Manager

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
2. Disable USB Controllers:
   • Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers category.
   • Right-click on the USB controller you want to disable and select Disable device.
   • Confirm the action when prompted.

Method 4: Disable USB Ports via Group Policy (For Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education)

1. Open Group Policy Editor:
   • Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Removable Storage Access:
   • Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Removable Storage Access.
3. Configure Policy:
   • Double-click on Removable Disks: Deny execute access and set it to Enabled to disable USB storage devices.
   • Apply the changes and restart your computer.

Method 5: Disconnect USB Headers (Hardware Method)

Close the case and power on the computer.

Open the Computer Case:

Power off and unplug your computer.

Open the case to access the motherboard.

Disconnect USB Headers:

Locate the USB headers on the motherboard and disconnect the cables leading to the USB ports you want to disable.