How to Limit Access to USB Storage Devices

Limit the access of your USB ports to protect your system.

USB access is something that can affect your computer in a variety of ways. Whether you're protecting your computer against viruses or malware, or you don't want anybody to have the ability to copy files onto a USB memory stick, you will need to restrict the access to the USB ports on your system. Setting this up will give your computer the security it needs and keep your data safe.

Instructions

USB Device Is Not Installed On Your Computer

1. Click "Start" and select "Run." Type "%windir%\inf" into the "Run" box and the press "Enter."

2. Look for the files named "usbstor.inf" and "usbstor.pnf."

3. Right-click on the files and go to the "Properties" tab. Click on it and go to the "Security" button. Choose the users that you want to restrict access to in the "Group or user names" list.

4. Click the "Deny" button in the "Permissions for Users" list.

5. Click the "Apply" button and select "OK."

USB Device Is Installed On The System

1. Click "Start" and select "Run."

2. Type "regedit" into the box and press "Enter."

3. Look for "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor."

4. Select the "USBSTOR" entry.

5. Right-click on the "Start" file on the right and select "Modify." Change the value to "4" to deny access to the USB ports.

References

• Ask VG: How To Limit Access To USB Devices