Disable new DMA devices when this computer is locked

Policy ID
DisableExternalDMAUnderLock_Name
Scope
Computer Configuration
Supported on
At least Windows Server 2016, Windows 10 Version 1703
Source
Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 11 2026 Update (26H2) (version 1.0)
Category
Windows Components › BitLocker Drive Encryption

Description

This policy setting allows you to block direct memory access (DMA) for all Thunderbolt hot pluggable PCI downstream ports until a user logs into Windows. Once a user logs in, Windows will enumerate the PCI devices connected to the host Thunderbolt PCI ports. Every time the user locks the machine, DMA will be blocked on hot plug Thunderbolt PCI ports with no children devices, until the user logs in again. Devices which were already enumerated when the machine was unlocked will continue to function until unplugged or the system is rebooted or hibernated. This policy setting is only enforced when BitLocker or device encryption is enabled.

Note: Some PCs may not be compatible with this policy if the system firmware enables DMA for newly attached Thunderbolt devices before exposing the new devices to Windows.

Registry

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
  • DisableExternalDMAUnderLockREG_DWORD

Other policies in the same category

View all policies in this category (10)