> I have seen in the UK solder used to physically block usb ports on laptops

With devices moving to USB-C for data and charging I wonder how security companies are going to prevent physical access to USB ports...

You'll remove the USB controller from the USB port on the laptop, then provide an adapter that has a USB controller, and plus it to the regular usb cable.

Disable the USB controller?

It's necessary to negotiate the power requirements.

I did not know this, that is interesting.

As in, the OS driver for the USB controller? Feels like a lot.

Google USB-PD. Devices on either end of the USB cable could be dumb, and it would revert to some base minimum requirements (5V 500/900mA or so). But notebook may not be able to negotiate for higher power or higher voltage for charging.