This guide covers methods to block external media access through CD/DVD drives to enhance security. These configurations are essential for enterprise environments to prevent data leakage and malware infections.
Method Comparison – Disable CD/DVD Drive
| Method | Difficulty | Scope | Recovery | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Policy | Medium | Domain-wide | Easy | Enterprise |
| Registry Edit | High | Individual PC | Medium | IT Admins |
| Device Manager | Easy | Individual PC | Easy | End Users |
| BIOS/UEFI | High | Individual PC | Difficult | Advanced Users |
1. Group Policy Configuration (Windows Pro/Enterprise)
1-1. Local Group Policy Editor
1. Windows + R → type gpedit.msc → OK
2. Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Removable Storage Access
3. Double-click "CD and DVD: Deny read access"
4. Select "Enabled" → OK
5. Apply the same setting to "CD and DVD: Deny write access"
1-2. Domain Group Policy (AD Environment)
1. Open Group Policy Management Console on Domain Controller
2. Create new GPO or edit existing GPO for target OU
3. Computer Configuration → Policies → Administrative Templates → System → Removable Storage Access
4. Configure CD/DVD policies and link GPO
5. Apply policy using gpupdate /force command
2. Registry Configuration
2-1. Manual Registry Edit
1. Windows + R → type regedit → OK
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies
(Create the key if it doesn't exist)
3. New → DWORD (32-bit) Value → Name: WriteProtect
4. Set WriteProtect value data to 1
5. Restart system
2-2. Batch File for Mass Deployment
@echo off
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies" /v WriteProtect /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\RemovableStorageDevices\{53f56308-b6bf-11d0-94f2-00a0c91efb8b}" /v Deny_Read /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\RemovableStorageDevices\{53f56308-b6bf-11d0-94f2-00a0c91efb8b}" /v Deny_Write /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
echo CD/DVD drive access has been disabled.
pause
3. Device Manager Disable
1. Windows + X → Select Device Manager
2. Expand DVD/CD-ROM drives section
3. Right-click target drive → Select "Disable device"
4. Click OK to confirm
Recovery: Select “Enable device” from the same path
4. BIOS/UEFI Hardware Block
Configuration Steps
1. Enter BIOS/UEFI during boot (F2, F12, Delete key, etc.)
2. Navigate to Advanced or Integrated Peripherals menu
3. Find SATA Configuration or Storage settings
4. Set CD/DVD drive option to Disabled
5. Save & Exit to save settings and reboot
5. Verification and Testing
Verification Methods
| Check Item | Command/Path | Expected Result |
|---|---|---|
| Group Policy | rsop.msc |
CD/DVD access policy applied |
| Registry | regedit → StorageDevicePolicies |
WriteProtect value set to 1 |
| Device Status | Device Manager | CD/DVD drive shows disabled |
| Actual Test | Insert CD/DVD | Not recognized or access denied message |
6. Recovery Methods
| Configuration Method | Recovery Method |
|---|---|
| Group Policy | Set policy to “Not Configured” and run gpupdate /force |
| Registry | Change WriteProtect value to 0 or delete the key |
| Device Manager | Select “Enable device” for the target device |
| BIOS/UEFI | Change CD/DVD drive setting to Enabled |
Related Links
These configurations enable you to implement CD/DVD drive access control that aligns with your organization’s security policies.