BIOS Option to Disable COM Port Not Available on OptiPlex 7000

Summary: This article provides information about the missing option to disable the communication (COM) port in the BIOS on a OptiPlex 7000 desktop.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.

Symptoms

OptiPlex 7000 may have a COM port device entry in Device Manager even through the computer was not purchased with the optional add-on COM port.

COM port device entry in Device Manager

This entry may not be removable in Device Manager as there is no option to disable it in BIOS as per the service manual.

Service manual showing BIOS option

Affected Models:

  • OptiPlex 7000

Cause

This is working as designed, and the operating system is detecting the COM port on the motherboard. The BIOS does not show any option to disable the COM port if an add-on port is not fitted to the computer.

Resolution

Purchasing the computer with an add-on COM port or adding one after point of sale provides BIOS options to disable it or change the serial port address.

Affected Products

OptiPlex 7000 Tower
Article Properties
Article Number: 000213637
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 18 May 2026
Version:  4
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