In case you don’t know, Windows 10 supports installation and use of a number of removable devices which includes plug and plays mouse, keyboard, and other USB-based devices. But this could actually pose a threat to the integrity of a computer system and thus, some organizations pose a restriction in using these kinds of devices.
the restriction on these devices is also useful especially if you keep on leaving your computer idle and someone tries to mess it up by plugging in a removable device. In such situations, the restriction will defend the user against data theft. Thus, in this post, you will be guided on how you can prevent the installation of removable devices on your Windows 10 computer.
There are two options that can help you in preventing the installation of any removable devices on your computer – you can either try to use the Registry Editor or use the Group Policy Editor instead. Follow whichever option you want to use the instructions given below but before you start, don’t forget to create a System Restore Point first.
Keep in mind that the Group Policy Editor is not available in the Home Edition of the Windows operating systems. Thus, if you are using one, just stick to the first option, otherwise, proceed to the following steps.
“This policy setting allows you to prevent Windows from installing removable devices. A device is considered removable when the driver for the device to which it is connected indicates that the device is removable. For example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device is reported to be removable by the drivers for the USB hub to which the device is connected. This policy setting takes precedence over any other policy setting that allows Windows to install a device. If you enable this policy setting, Windows is prevented from installing removable devices and existing removable devices cannot have their drivers updated. If you enable this policy setting on a remote desktop server, the policy setting affects redirection of removable devices from a remote desktop client to the remote desktop server. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, Windows can install and update device drivers for removable devices as allowed or prevented by other policy settings.”
“This policy setting allows you to specify a list of Plug and Play hardware IDs and compatible IDs for devices that Windows is prevented from installing. This policy setting takes precedence over any other policy setting that allows Windows to install a device. If you enable this policy setting Windows is prevented from installing a device whose hardware ID or compatible ID appears in the list you create. If you enable this policy setting on a remote desktop server the policy setting affects the redirection of the specified devices from a remote desktop client to the remote desktop server. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting devices can be installed and updated as allowed or prevented by other policy settings.”
Poor PC maintenance can lead to error message pop-ups like error code 41. Code 41 is one of the several Device Manager Error codes.
This error indicates 2 things: issues with the device driver for the hardware you wish to use, or the hardware device is not properly attached to your system.
The error code 41 is usually displayed in the following format:
“Windows successfully loaded the device driver for this hardware but cannot find the hardware device.” Code 41
For successful installation of a new hardware piece, it is imperative to follow the installation routine correctly and allow it to complete properly, especially with USB devices.
This is important largely because if installation is not followed and executed properly, code 41 can pop up.
Code 41 is also related to device driver problems. It can occur if your system device drivers are outdated. Also, if the device is a CD/DVD drive, code 41 can occur due to conflicts with 3rd party disc burning software.
Although Device Manager Error code 41 is not detrimental, it is still advisable to repair it as quickly as you can. Code 41 can negatively affect your PC. It can:
As compared to the blue screen of death errors, Device Manager Error codes are much easier to resolve.
Here are some of the best, effective and easy-to-resolve methods to help you fix code 41 on your PC, in a few minutes.
To work around these methods, you don’t have to be a technical whiz or a computer programmer. Simply follow these steps to resolve:
To repair code 41 on your system, try uninstalling problematic drivers and then reinstalling new drivers. To do this, follow these instructions:
This will hopefully resolve error code 41 on your system and you will be able to use your desired hardware device without any hassle. Nonetheless, if the error code continues to persist, try other methods illustrated below.
Sometimes the error may pop up due to poorly configured devices. This is common if it is a plug-and-play device. The best way to resolve is to remove the device, reattach it properly, and then try using it again.
However, if the problem is with the hardware, then it is advisable to replace the hardware with a new device compatible with your Windows version.
If the underlying cause for error code 41 is outdated or corrupted drivers, then it is advisable to update the drivers.
However, when updating drivers and ensuring that the newly installed drivers work perfectly, make sure you install versions that are compatible with your device and Windows. Incompatible drivers are no good.
You will continue to face Device Manager Errors if you install incompatible drivers.
To update drivers, here’s what you have to do:
Updating drivers manually will take time, so perform this task when you are free and have nothing else on your mind. However, if you wish to resolve the issue immediately and have the time to invest in manual updates, then consider downloading DriverFIX.
DriverFIX is a feature-rich and an innovative software program deployed with an intelligent programming system and intuitive technology.
It is exclusively designed to resolve PC device driver problems. Once installed on your system, it scans your PC and identifies problematic drivers.
After that it matches latest and compatible driver versions and updates them immediately within a few seconds. DriverFIX updates drivers both automatically and on a regular basis.
Click here to download DriverFIX to update drivers and repair error code 41.