Many users utilize USB drives for transferring data between PCs and storing software. However, users can’t utilize USB storage devices on PCs with blocked USB ports. And that’s why you need to know how to enable a USB port blocked by an administrator.

Learn how to effortlessly access the connected USB devices

  • If you’re wondering how to enable a USB port blocked by an administrator, there are a few ways you can do so effortlessly,

  • Enabling the USB port involves making changes in the Device Manager, Registry, and Local Group Policy Editor.

  • There are also some handy third-party apps available to enable USB ports in Windows.

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If you’re sharing a PC with somebody else, an administrator account on it can block access to USB ports. So, let’s find out how to enable USB ports blocked by administrators with the methods below.

What is a USB port?

A USB port is a Universal Serial Bus connection interface for USB devices. All desktop and laptop PCs include ports for connecting external drives and peripherals.

There are various types of USB connection ports. USB Type A is the most common port, but some PCs also include USB Type B, Type C, and USB 3.0 slots to connect devices.

How can I enable blocked USB ports in Windows 11?

1. Unblock USB ports with Device Manager

  • Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager.
  • Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers category.
  • Right-click the USB controllers listed there and select Enable device, if the option is listed there.

2. Unblock USB ports by editing the Registry

  • Press Windows + S to open Search, type regedit in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
  • Input this registry path inside the address bar and hit Enter: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\USBSTOR
  • Double-click the Start DWORD on the right.
  • Clear the Value data field, input 3, and select OK to save the changes.

After you are done, restart the computer for the changes to complete into effect, and this would enable the USB port blocked by the administrator.

3. Unblock USB ports with Group Policy Editor

  • Press Windows + R to open Run, type gpedit.msc in the text field, and click OK.
  • Next, expand the Computer Configuration category, choose Administrative Templates, and then double-click on System on the right.
  • Now, select Removable Storage Access.
  • Double-click the All Removable Storage classes: Deny all access policy setting.
  • Select the Not Configured or Disabled radio button if that setting is enabled.
  • Similarly, disable Removable Disks: Deny read access and Removable Disks: Deny write access policy settings.

4. Unblock USB ports with Windows USB Blocker software

  • Bring up the USB Blocker page on Softpedia, and click on Download Now option.
  • Go to whatever directory includes the WindowsUSBBlocker ZIP.
  • Then double-click WindowsUSBBlocker, and select the Extract all option.
  • Click Show extracted files to select that option within the ZIP extraction tool.
  • Now, click on Extract to open up an extracted WindowsUSBBlocker folder.
  • Then double-click the Setup_WindowsUSBBlocker.exe to open the program’s setup wizard.
  • Click on the Install button.
  • Open the Windows USB Blocker software.
  • Click the Unblock USB Port option if the port status is blocked.

What should I do if those methods for unblocking a USB port don’t work?

If you can’t unblock a USB port with those methods, an administrator might not have blocked the port. Some third-party antivirus utilities can also block USB ports.

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Disable or even uninstall any third-party antivirus software installed on your PC. Also, find out all about unblocking USB ports blocked by antivirus software.

So, that’s how you can unblock USB ports blocked by administrators. With USB ports unblocked, you’ll be able to utilize external storage devices on your PC again.

We don’t recommend users try unblocking USB ports on PCs within organizations’ networks without permission. Consider asking a network administrator for permission to utilize your USB drive on a network’s workstation instead.

Also, find out the best Wi-Fi file transfer software in Windows.

If you have any other queries, drop a comment below, and we get respond at the earliest.

If the advices above haven’t solved your issue, your PC may experience deeper Windows problems. We recommend downloading this PC Repair tool (rated Great on TrustPilot.com) to easily address them. After installation, simply click the Start Scan button and then press on Repair All.

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