How USB took over everything—from the clunky one-way Type-A to today’s reversible USB-C—told from our bar-stool friend after a couple drinks.

You ever notice how USB just kind of became the thing that runs everything in your life? One day we’re plugging in beige printers with cables thick enough to tow a car, and the next we’re charging laptops, phones, and toothbrushes off the same port. It’s wild. But it didn’t just happen — it’s been nearly three decades of engineers fighting physics, cost, and human frustration to make that little rectangle (and now that little oval) work right.

Let’s wind it back.

Back When Ports Were Chaos

The year’s 1995. Intel’s running the show, Microsoft’s figuring out Windows 95, and everyone’s losing their minds trying to make peripherals work. You’ve got serial ports for modems, PS/2 ports for mice, parallel for printers, and if you were really in the weeds, SCSI chains that looked like spaghetti wiring a photocopier to a toaster.

So Intel gets this idea — well, really Ajay Bhatt does — to make a single port that does it all. Universal Serial Bus. They bring in Microsoft, Compaq, IBM, DEC, NEC — basically every big nerd from the ’90s — and start hammering out a spec that could work for everything. Plug and play, power and data, and no dip-switches or IRQs.

And they did it. USB 1.0 dropped in 1996, 12 megabits per second, and it worked. Not fast, not fancy — but simple. Then, two years later, Apple launches the iMac G3 — translucent blue, looks like candy — and kills off all their legacy ports. Just two USB ports. Boom. Overnight, the world moves to USB because, well, if Apple did it, everyone else had to catch up.

That’s the funny part — Intel made it, Apple made it matter.

When Apple Went Off Script

Fast-forward a decade and Apple, being Apple, decides to go rogue. USB 2.0 was topping out at 480 megabits per second, which felt like dial-up in a broadband world. So Intel and Apple teamed up again and built Thunderbolt.

ASRock’s X870 LiveMixer WiFi puts USB connectivity first with twenty-five total ports for creators, gamers, and power users.

Most boards today give you a few decent USB connections and expect you to figure out the rest with hubs and adapters. That’s fine for casual setups, but chances are if you’re running external drives, cameras, audio gear, or other devices, you’ll run out of ports fast. The ASRock X870 LiveMixer WiFi flips that script. This board comes with twenty-five USB ports in total, which is way more than you’ll see on a typical motherboard.

Rear panel options

The first thing to understand is that the back panel is stacked. You get sixteen ports right out of the box, and two of those are USB4 Type-C. Those are your heavy hitters: up to 40 Gbps transfers, plus display output if the CPU supports it. That kind of bandwidth makes external SSDs or capture gear run like they should.

You also get another Type-C rated for USB 3.2 Gen1 speeds and about seven Type-A ports in that same Gen1 class. That’s plenty fast for most peripherals — webcams, audio interfaces, or storage that doesn’t need crazy speed. Then there’s the legacy support: six USB 2.0 ports still hanging around. They’re slow at 480 Mbps, sure, but perfect for things like keyboards, mice, dongles, or older hardware that doesn’t benefit from more bandwidth.

Internal headers and front access

Add another nine ports through the internal headers and you hit the big twenty-five.

What is “SurpriseRemovalOK” Or “Safe Removal” Setting

The SurpriseRemovalOK setting in Windows is a registry value that determines whether a USB mass storage device can be safely removed without using the “Safely Remove Hardware” option. When set to 1, the system treats the device as hot-swappable, disables write caching, and allows users to unplug it without first notifying the operating system. This setting is commonly used for USB flash drives and memory cards, where users often remove devices without ejecting them through the UI.

The registry key for this setting typically appears under:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB\VID_xxxx&PID_xxxx\…\Device Parameters.

USB registry edits and how to clean up your Windows OS

Surprise removal, in technical terms, refers to the disconnection of a device without prior notification to the operating system. Unlike orderly removal, which involves preparing the system for safe detachment using tools like the Device Manager or “Safely Remove Hardware,” a surprise removal triggers specific system callbacks. For instance, in Windows, the framework calls EvtDeviceSurpriseRemoval before executing further cleanup and device destruction. This behavior is supported by architectures such as PCI Express and is common with hot-swappable interfaces like PCMCIA. However, surprise removals can also trigger event logs, such as Event ID 157, which indicate that a non-removable disk was disconnected unexpectedly. These events may stem from physical removal, hardware failure, software actions like VM snapshots, or driver-related issues.

“Safely Remove Hardware” First Debut Date

Microsoft first introduced the “Safely Remove Hardware” feature in Windows 2000, marking the first OS version to officially support hot-swappable USB mass storage devices. Prior to this, Windows 95 and 98 provided only limited and less reliable support for USB, often leading to data corruption or unreadable drives. Microsoft responded to growing user feedback from the late 1990s, especially as USB flash drives and external hard drives became more common. Bootable USB Devices . Users and OEMs reported frequent issues like corrupted file systems and lost data due to unsafe removal practices.

Has anyone noticed FAT32 format option is gone in Windows?

Microsoft has not issued an official statement explaining why the FAT32 formatting option is unavailable for storage devices 32GB and larger but we’ve done some digging and came up with a possible answer.

On both Windows 10 and Windows 11, users are typically presented with formatting options for NTFS (New Technology File System) or exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table). The choice to format a drive as FAT32 is missing once the drive exceeds 32GB in capacity.

Since Microsoft has not clarified this change, it’s widely assumed that the decision was made to avoid problems caused by FAT32’s limitations—especially its inability to store files larger than 4GB. As file sizes have continued to grow over the years, this limitation has become more noticeable.

The FAT32 file system cannot handle single files larger than 4GB. This is due to its 32-bit file allocation table, which caps the maximum file size at 4,294,967,295 bytes. Regardless of the cluster size, FAT32 simply cannot address a file above that cluster size.

For users who need to store high-resolution videos, system backups, or other large files, switching to exFAT or NTFS is essential. NTFS, which is the default for most internal drives in Windows, offers better support for large files, access permissions, and journaling. ExFAT, on the other hand, was created as a lightweight, high-capacity alternative for external storage that’s compatible across multiple operating systems. But don’t format USB flash drives as NTFS as we’ve mentioned before.

We think Microsoft removed the FAT32 option for drives above 32GB to prevent user confusion and/or support issues. For example, trying to copy a 5GB video file to a FAT32 drive will result in a frustrating error message. By defaulting to exFAT, Windows helps users avoid this issue without needing to explain file system limits.

ExFAT supports significantly larger file sizes compared to FAT32. In theory, exFAT can handle files up to 16 exabytes (16 million terabytes), although real-world limits are much lower and depend on the device’s implementation. Even so, it’s more than sufficient for most consumer and professional use cases, from video production to large-scale backups.

While exFAT offers excellent cross-platform compatibility and large file support, users should be aware that some older operating systems or embedded devices might not support it natively.

Real Quick: A Brief History of File Systems

The concept of a file system—the method by which data is organized and stored on a storage device—has evolved steadily since the early days of computing.

General Motors needed a file system in the 1950s to help their early computers store and organize large amounts of business data—like payroll, inventory, and production schedules. Working with IBM, they developed one of the first operating systems (GM-NAA I/O) to manage these tasks. It allowed the computer to access and manage files on magnetic tape, making it easier to run multiple jobs and retrieve information efficiently. This basic file system helped move computing from scientific use into real-world business operations.

A few years later, more advanced systems like MIT’s Compatible Time-Sharing System (CTSS) introduced features like named files and user access control. By the 1970s, UNIX and Multics brought in hierarchical directory structures that closely resemble the file systems we use today.

Dumb Question: Why Did Microsoft Call It “FAT”?

Lake Forest, CA – [June 24, 2025] — Nexcopy introduces the Lock License USB drive as a secure, modern alternative to the USB write protect switch — offering firmware-level data protection with no physical toggle. A leading provider of advanced USB technology solutions, Nexcopy is emphasizing that the Lock License USB flash drive is a groundbreaking replacement for the traditional USB write protect switch flash drive. Built on a hardware-firmware architecture, the Lock License flash drive offers unmatched security, automation, and deployment capabilities for modern business and industrial use.

For years, one USB flash drive option was a manual write protect switch for basic read-only data protection. However, in today’s threat landscape, this physical toggle is not only antiquated but also vulnerable to human error and physical tampering. Nexcopy’s Lock License USB drive redefines secure data transport and storage by offering firmware-level, controller-enforced read-only protection which is always active from the very first use.

“The USB write protect switch is simply outdated technology,” says Greg Morris, President of Nexcopy. “Lock License is built from the ground up with enterprise-level features like automatic re-locking, password-protected access, command-line scripting, and zero backdoor access — something the switch could never provide.”

Why Lock License Leads the Industry

A Construction Worker USB Flash Drive That Builds Lasting Impressions

At first glance, this isn’t just another thumb drive—it’s a miniature construction worker, complete with hard hat, safety vest, and a friendly smile. The figure looks like something you’d keep on your desk, and that’s exactly the point. It mixes a useful tool with a playful, display-worthy shape, so people actually keep it rather than toss it in a drawer.

Nexcopy’s USB HDD “Fixed Disk” appears to act like a local hard drive, which can help teams operate in environments where removable drives are restricted.

In high-security environments, USB drives can be good and bad. What I mean is, the flash drive is essential for information deployment, imaging, and data transfer, but we’ve also heard time and time again how USB flash media can be a potential security risk. Many organizations address this by implementing Removable Storage Restrictions through Group Policy or endpoint security tools.

The problem? Those same policies that protect against unauthorized USB usage can also block your legitimate workflow.

The Common Roadblock

Let’s say your IT guys did crack down on Group Policy USB control. If your USB drive shows up to the operating system as “Removable Media,” it can be locked out entirely. That means:

• Imaging tools like Acronis True Image or Symantec Ghost refuse to write to it.
• Windows To Go won’t install or boot from it.
• Multi-partition booting won’t work in legacy BIOS environments.
• Secure facilities simply won’t let you plug it in at all.

The Nexcopy Solution

The USB HDD Fixed Disk is different. It’s configured at the hardware controller level to report itself as a Local Disk (Fixed Disk), just like an internal hard drive.

Why does this matter? Because most removable drive restrictions don’t apply to fixed disks. Did we crack the code?

• IT policy still holds for unsafe removable drives.
• Your approved, Nexcopy-issued Fixed Disk USB will mount and operate without special permissions.
• You can continue your deployment or service work without IT needing to rewrite policy rules.

Where This Helps Most

There’s buzz in the dev and IT circles about a new type of USB drive being tested by a Southern California tech group — and it’s not your average thumb drive. Unlike traditional models, this device identifies as a Local Disk instead of a removable drive. That subtle shift could have a big impact for system builders, software developers, and security-minded teams.

What’s different between a flash drive and hard drive?

Rather than acting like a typical USB memory device, this one behaves more like a hard drive — natively and consistently across all major operating systems. Early info suggests it’s not relying on software tricks or OS-specific tweaks. Instead, it’s using a controller-level hardware profile to mount as a Fixed Disk. That makes it ideal for workflows that require a genuine HDD classification, such as enterprise deployment tools, forensic environments, or OS imaging applications.

People familiar with the project say it’s especially useful for creating Windows To Go environments or installing software that demands a hard disk target. This isn’t a workaround — it’s a purpose-built piece of hardware made to behave like part of your machine, not a plug-in accessory.

Reported features include support for both USB 2.0 and 3.0 protocols, multiple enclosure styles, and compliance with major certification standards (CE, FCC, RoHS, UL). Early samples start at 2GB with scalable options beyond that — and are available in small production runs for evaluation.

For integrators, this could be a clean solution to a long-standing limitation with USB-based installations. No registry edits. No mounting scripts. Just plug, and go.

We’ve now posted the full details and official specs in our article: Nexcopy USB HDD Fixed Disk Could Bypass Removable Drive Restrictions.

USB flash drive security is a major concern these days and a significant security threat to both consumers and organizations via USB can pose a big problem for those trying to protect their computers and networks.

Thumb drives are convenient because they are small in size and fast with read and write performance making them an ideal device for moving data; however, flash drives can be abused by cyber criminals to infect computers because of their ease-of-use.

Until the Nexcopy Lock License technology was introduced the fundamental way a flash drive works is a benefit for how malware can spread, because all USB flash drives have a read and write status by default. Lock License technology reverses the state of the flash drive – the device is always write protected, or said another way: read only.

Recently, a team of scientists from Liverpool Hope University in the UK created a sophisticated USB device with all sorts of endpoint protection software loaded on the USB drive in the attempt to block malware getting onto a drive.

The Liverpool Hope University scientists said, “If the OS is not configured to restrict and promote the user’s permission on an inserted USB device, then as soon as the USB drive is inserted it can execute default auto run script that can deliver the intended payload to the computing devices and deliver multiple kinds of malicious programs such as viruses, Trojans, Keyloggers, Spyware, Remote Access Trojans (RATs), and so forth to the computing devices.”

However, what these scientist overlooked in their research is the simple fact of making the USB read only.

It is important to understand how a virus interacts with a USB device to fully appreciate the above sentence.

A virus designed to spread via USB has two main goals: First, spread any way possible via USB and second, remain undetected as long as possible. Because a virus is trying to stay undetected the malware will ping any USB device connected upon power up. Once the virus identifies if the USB device is usable, the virus will go back into hibernation. For example, if a USB mouse is connected the virus quickly determines this is a HID device (Human Input Device) and does not have memory for the virus to spread it’s code. However, a virus will ping a USB flash drive and quickly determine it is read/write and will insert it’s code onto the USB flash memory.

With a Lock License USB flash drive, the device is always write protected. This default state of the flash drive means a virus will identify the USB as read only, leave it alone, and got back into hibernation. Malware does not re-examine devices because the more active a virus is, the more likely the virus will be detected.

This is what the scientists at the Liverpool Hope University did not take into account when building their anti-malware device, is the simple fact of removing the “write” capability of the USB flash drive.

With a Lock License drive defaulting to a write protected state, means control of when the USB device becomes writable is 100% in the hands of the User. This means a User can perform all the scans and testing they require before determining the flash drive is clean and making the USB writable. The old ways of how a virus writes itself onto a USB flash drive is gone, because the Lock License USB is read only.

The Lock License technology has two unique characteristics. First, the User must enter an encrypted password to enable the write function of the USB device. Again, this puts total control back into the hands of the user for when write access is granted to the device. Second, the device is always write protected when connected to any system.

Consider the following:

A User enters their encrypted pass code to make the USB writable. Once their data load is complete the User removes the drive. At this point, when the power is cut to the Lock License drive, the default state is now read only. When the Lock License drive is connected to anything again, it is write protected and read only and impossible for a virus to write itself onto the flash drive.

This simple change of manufacturing a drive to always be in a read only state is the game changer against malware and cyber security threats via USB flash drives. Without the USB device being writable, it is impossible for a virus to spread to the device.

Closing Comment

The Lock License drive is a hardware solution. The write protection is not a software setting. There are no drivers to install or software to install. The USB flash drive will always be write protected when connected to any device, such as a Linux computer, Mac or Windows computer, a car stereo or any other host. To make the Lock License drive writable for data loading is only possible on a Windows computer.

Review with pictures and video

When it comes to making a USB stick read only, or USB write protected, there are two options. The first is the original technology of using a physical switch to toggle on and off the flash drive writing. The more recent technology is a programmatical way to toggle the write protection on and off.

Why write protect a USB anyway?

Great question. There are two main categories of flash drive users;
A) the home computer user and
B) the corporate / business world. The home computer user probably doesn’t care too much about making a USB read only because their environment is trusted. They know who’s had the USB and they know the computers it is being plugged into. However corporate folks definitely care about making a USB read only.

Disclosure: This post contains one affiliate link to Netac products. If you use this link, you may earn a commission at no cost to you.

They have two main reasons why

1. They don’t want their data changed or manipulated.
2. They don’t want a virus to spread via their USB; it’s bad publicity and a security risk. Corporations don’t want those headaches.

Surprisingly this review has brought to light the way all flash drives should work.

Update [June 13, 2025]: The official press release is now live. Click here to read the full announcement.

Since 2008 when USB flash drives really started getting mainstream most IT folks and systems integrators leaned on USB drives with physical write protect switches to safeguard files from tampering or corruption. But that hardware toggle — while once helpful — is on its way out.

Industry insiders say a major USB technology company based in Southern California is preparing to unveil a new type of flash drive that renders the old switch obsolete. According to early chatter, the device uses firmware at the controller level to lock the drive into a read-only state by default — no manual switch, no end-user slipups, and no chance of getting flipped off accidentally.

More intriguing? Sources say the device is password-controlled, re-locks automatically when unplugged, and supports scripting for mass deployment — making it a potential game-changer for government agencies, hospitals, and manufacturing workflows where USB data security isn’t optional.

From what we’ve heard, this isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a reimagining of what write protection on a USB drive should look like in 2025. Keep an eye out for the official announcement, expected within a week or so.

It’s not just the end of the physical USB write protect switch — this marks a new standard for secure flash storage.

Editor’s note: We’ll update this post with a link once the official announcement is live.