Share this article
Improve this guide
How to Unlock USB Port Blocked by Antivirus Software
Use these solutions to unlock your USB port
6 min. read
Updated onMarch 25, 2024
updated onMarch 25, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Using athird-party antivirus solutionis more than recommended especially if you are an active Windows 10 user who is always trying new apps and downloading different stuff from the web.
Only with the right antivirus programs installed, you cansuccessfully protect your dataand your identity. Unfortunately, in most situations the built-in Windows Defender program might not be enough as a more specialized software platform will be better for you.
Anyway, while in most situations the antivirus program is there to protect your Windows 10 device, in others its functionality might become quite annoying.
Think of the following scenario: you want to use an external USB device, so as usual, you plug it in; but, strangely the USB device isn’t recognized by your Windows 10 system, or if it is you cannot access it.
Well, if that happens, the problem might be caused by yourantivirus, which isblocking the external USB device.
So, if theantivirusis indeed blocking the USB device, follow the guidelines explained below and learn how to re-enable the USB access within the antivirus built-in settings.
I’ve tried to cover the steps that should be followed for themost popular antivirus programsthat are currently available, though similar procedures can be applied to almost any other security software that’s not included in the following list.
Secure your devices with award-winning cybersecurity technology.
Maximize your PC’s security and performance with top-notch digital threat detection.
Keep secure with groundbreaking AI detection and prevention technology.
Browse the web securely for up to 3 devices across Windows, Mac, iOS or Android systems.
Best security tool for intense browsing activity.
How do I stop my antivirus from blocking USB devices?
1. Stop ESET HOME Security Essential from blocking USB devices
ESET HOME Security Essential
2. Fix Avast blocking USB connection
Avast Free Antivirus
3. Bypass blocked USB by Bitdefender
You can also add exclusions for a certain USB device if you know that the data stored there can be trusted. Here is what you need to do:
In other words, Bitdefender comes with great features that can be used for choosing how the USB devices are controlled by theantiviruseach time a new USB connection is detected.
Bitdefender
4. Avira blocked autorun on USB hard drive
Avira
5. Kaspersky Bundle blocking USB connection
Additionally, you can add certain exceptions following these settings. OpenSettings, click onAdditional, then onThreats and exclusions, choose toConfigure exclusion rules,andAdd.
Kaspersky Bundle
6.Removable Media Scan feature inNorton Security
With Norton, if the Removable Media Scan feature is enabled, the antivirus program will automatically scan any external device that’s connected to your computer.
So, if you think that Norton is blocking the USB, you should first disable the already-mentioned feature. You can do that fromSettings, thenAntivirusoption.
Norton
7. Windows Defender blocked my USB connection
So that’s how you can re-enable USB access when external USB devices are blocked byantivirus programs.
Remember that the easiest way in which you can access your external device is by temporarily turning off the antivirus protection. Then, you will be able to use your USB device.
Though, you should do that only if you know for sure that all the files from that device don’t represent asecurity threat.
As already outlined, if you’re using differentantivirus softwarefrom the already covered ones, don’t panic as you can use similar steps for obtaining the same result.
However, if you cannot find the right settings within your antivirus tool, tell us and we will try to assist you as soon as possible.
More about the topics:antivirus,USB issues,windows 10 fix
Andrew Wafer
Andrew is not just trying to bring you closer to Windows, but he’s truly interested in this platform. He just happens to be passionate about sharing that knowledge with our readers and that’s what makes his presence here, at WindowsReport, such a valuable one.
He specializes in writing about the best products for this operating system and Windows 10 fixes. Determined and creative, Andrew also loves coffee, country music, and Sunday mornings.
User forum
1 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Andrew Wafer
