Disable a USB flash drive (mass storage devices only)

Disable a USB flash drive (mass storage devices only)

Disable a USB flash drive (mass storage devices only) : Multi-thousand tips to make your life easier.

Whenever you insert a USB flash drive into your computer, the flash drive is detected automatically by Windows and then opened. Here I am going to show you how to disable USB flash drives (mass storage devices only) through the registry.

This trick can also be done through My Computer by using Device Manager, but that method disables all USB connections. This is not recommended.

So are you ready to start?

Here we go.

1. Click the Start Menu, go to the Run command, and type regedit without quotes. Registry Editor will open.
2. Expand the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder, then SYSTEM > CURRENT CONTROL SET > SERVICES > USBstor, located in the left pane.
3. Find Start in the right pane with the blue icon.
4. Double-click Start. A box titled Edit DWORD value will open.
5. Write down 4 in the Value Data field. Illustration 1.1
6. Click OK and then close the Registry Editor.

Illustration 1.1

Your USB flash drive is now disabled. Whenever you insert a flash drive, Windows won't detect it and will not open it.

To enable it again, repeat steps 1 through 4 and then change the value to 3. The default value for enabling a USB flash drive is 3.

Note: Performing this trick will only disable USB mass storage devices and will not affect other USB devices such as USB keyboard, USB mouse, scanner, printer, etc. Always back up your registry to prevent losing your valuable data.