5 Easy Ways to Remove Write Protection From USB Drive in Windows
Nothing is more maddening than this “disk is write-protected” pop-up when you’re trying to access files on a USB stick. So, why does this happen and how you can remove write protection from USB drive?
Let’s break down in this post, what turns your USB into a read-only state. You’ll also find out how to remove USB write protection on Windows 10/11 based on whether the read-only status is because of hardware or software!
Part 1: Why Is My USB Drive Suddenly Write-Protected?
You might suddenly get a message like ‘the disk is write-protected’ on USB due to reasons such as the following:
- Some USB drives have a switch that blocks writing when turned on.
- File system corruption can make the drive write-protected.
- Windows settings or registry changes may stop writing to USB drives.
- Your account might not have permission to write to the drive.
- A full drive can become write-protected automatically.
- Viruses can cause write protection or other USB issues.
- Physical damage or bad sectors can trigger write protection.
- When a USB drive starts failing, it may turn read-only instead of completely stopping.
Part 2: How Do I Remove Write Protection From a USB Drive?
Here’s how you can remove write protection from USB in Windows 10/11, based on the reasons for this issue mentioned earlier:
Fix 1: Check the Physical Lock Switch
Many flash drives feature a physical lock switch, which, when switched on, makes them write-protected. So, if you want to remove write protection from USB drive, find out that switch. Here’s how to do that:
Step 1: Disconnect the USB from your computer. Then, find the small lock switch on its side.
Step 2: If it’s set to “Lock,” slide it to “Unlock.” Then, connect the flash drive to your computer and try again.
Fix 2: Use Software to Remove Write Protection From USB
Your USB’s write-protection can also switch on due to malware causing corruption to the file system. In such a case you can employ a specialized software to remove write protection from USB. 4DDiG Partition Manager can format to clear write-protected USB. Unlike command-line tools, this tool requires no technical skills to use. Here’s more info about this tool:
- This USB write protection removal tool can /resize/split/create/erase/format partitions.
- The app can also repair/recover/restore and remove recovery partitions.
- The software allows you to back up and restore files and clone partitions to other storage mediums.
- You can upgrade your hard disk or clone it to a larger one without losing files.
- You can turn MBR to GPT without losing your crucial files.
Here’s how to remove USB write protection using this tool:
Step 1: Make sure your flash drive has a copy of its files somewhere, as using this USB write protection removal tool will result in data loss.
Step 2: Then, install and execute the USB write protection removal tool on your computer. Connect the write-protected flash drive to your computer.
Step 3: Head to “Partition Management” on the tool’s interface. Choose “Format.”
Step 4: Set the file system (FAT32, NTFS, etc.) and other settings. Hit “OK.” Wait for the software to remove write protection from USB.
Fix 3: Remove Read-Only Attribute via Diskpart
If your flash disk’s write-protected status is not because of corruption, but has read-only attributes, then employ Diskpart. It’s a Windows-embedded utility that can clear write-protected USB. Here’s how:
Step 1: Connect the ‘the disk is write-protected’ USB to your computer. Type “cmd” in the Windows search. Then, open “Command Prompt.”
Step 2: Type the following commands one after the other. Hit “Enter” after each one:
- diskpart (This will execute the Diskpart software to remove write protection from USB).
- list disk (This will list all the connected devices to your computer, including your write-protected USB).
- select disk [here place USB drive letter]
- attributes disk clear readonly (This will clear write-protected USB).
Fix 4: Use Registry Editor
You can also employ the Registry Editor to remove write protection from USB in Windows 10/11. However, this method is complicated and tinkering with it incorrectly can damage your operating system. Here’s how to remove USB write protection with the aid of Registry Editor:
Step 1: Connect the ‘the disk is write-protected’ USB to your computer. Type “regedit” in the Windows search. Then, open “Registry Editor.”
Step 2: Tap “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControl.” Next, look for “StorageDevicePolicies.”
Step 3: If you can’t find this open, you can create it. Right-click “Control.” Then, pick “New.” Next, select “Key.” Name it “StorageDevicePolicies.”
Step 4: Right-click inside “StorageDevicePolicies.” After this, tap “New.” Next, select “DWORD (32-bit) Value.” Name it “WriteProtect.”
Step 5: Double-tap “WriteProtect.” Then, adjust “Value data” to “0.” Hit “OK.”
Step 6: Close “Registry Editor.” After this, disconnect the USB. Then, connect it again to your computer. Inspect if the write-protection is gone.
Fix 5: Run a Virus Scan
A malicious program or virus can also make your flash drive write-protected. You can employ an antivirus software to remove write protection from USB by getting rid of viruses and malware. Here’s how:
Step 1: Connect the write-protected flash drive to your computer. Then, type “Windows Security” in the Windows search. Open it.
Step 2: Choose “Virus & threat protection.” Then, move down and pick “Scan options.”
Step 3: Select “Full Scan.” Hit “Scan now.” The tool will scan for viruses and remove them from your computer and all connected storage mediums including the write-protected USB.
Fix 6: Check Account Permissions
Your user account permissions might not permit you to write on the USB, which is why it displays a read-only state. However, you can change account permissions to remove write protection from USB Windows 10/11. To do so:
Step 1: Connect the write-protected flash drive to your computer. Open “File Explorer.” Right-click the write-protected USB. Tap “Properties.”
Step 2: In the “Security” tab, look whether“Write” permission is chosen for “Everyone.” If it’s not, pick your user account.
Step 3: Select “Edit.” Next, choose “Add.” Then, type in your user account name in “Enter the object names to select.”
Step 4: Hit “OK.” Make sure the “Write” permission is tick marked.
Fix 7: Take Device For Repair
When you cannot format your USB which was left in a read-only mode, then it is time to contact a flash disk repair service. Search for a trustworthy USB repair service in your area, and call them. If asked, take your write-protected USB to their service center.
How to Remove Write Protection From USB FAQs
Q1: What is USB write protection?
USB write protection is a function, which renders a flash disk read-only, and you can see files but cannot add, modify, or erase them. It is utilized to prevent viruses, secure significant or confidential files, integrity of data, and prevent loss of files by mistake. Write protection can be set through hardware or software.
Q2: Does a full format remove write protection?
A full format might remove write protection if it’s caused by a corrupted file system, but it’s not always effective. It won’t function if the USB drive has a physical lock switch, registry restrictions, or diskpart settings making it read-only. Formatting also can’t fix hardware damage or bad sectors.
Bottom Line
A USB drive may turn write-protected due to a lock switch, file errors, registry issues, viruses, or damage. Nevertheless, you can remove write protection from USB drive by unlocking its switch, altering permissions, executing Diskpart or the Registry Editor, or scanning the drive with viruses.
But when your USB is write-protected due to a file system corruption, you can use such a tool as 4DDiG Partition Manager to format the partition. It can automatically repair and remove write protection status from your USB disk without technical steps.