What can I do if my USB flash drive is write-protected or read only?
The write-protection switch is useful for keeping the contents of your drive safe from malware when you need to view them on a public computer. If your device has this switch, move it to the “Lock” position. This action effectively sets all files, and the device itself, to read-only mode.
How do I remove write protection from a flash drive and memory card?
To remove the write protection, simply open your Start menu, and click on Run. Type in regedit and press Enter. This will open the registry editor. Double-click the WriteProtect key located in the right side pane and set the value to 0.
Why is my USB drive suddenly write-protected?
Sometimes if the USB stick or SD card is full with files, it is very likely to receive the write protection error when files are being copied to it. If there is enough free disk space and you still encounter this issue, it might be because the file you are trying to copy to the USB drive is too large.
How do you make a flash drive read only?
- We must select the device we want to change the attributes for, so type SELECT DISK 1.
- To set the drive as read only, type ATTRIBUTES DISK SET READONLY.
- DiskPart will confirm the attribute was sent and you can now type “EXIT.
How to change from read only to write protected USB?
Change Read-Only or Write-Protected USB/Pen Drive to Normal 1 Connect your USB or pen drive to PC. 2 Open Windows File Explorer, locate and right-click on the USB which is write-protected, and select “Property”. 3 Go to the General tab, uncheck “Read Only”, click “Apply” and “OK” to finish.
What does it mean when your flash drive says write protected?
What does it mean when you receive “The disk is write-protected” error message while trying to format a flash drive, pen drive or SD card? It means the Windows operating system has set administrator limitations, the registry entry is damaged, virus infection or third-party encryption software locked your USB pen drive.
How can I unlock a write protected USB drive?
You can simply use the Registry Editor in your Windows PC to unlock your Write Protected USB Drive. The process is simpler and more user-friendly. Step 1. From the home screen of your PC, go either to the search panel of the taskbar or use the shortcut “Windows R” to start the Run command.
What to do if your USB flash drive is no longer protected?
Close Regedit and restart your computer. Connect your USB flash drive or pen drive again, and you should find the write protection is removed and the device is no longer write protected. After that, you can now format the drive as normal by right-clicking on it in My Computer and choosing Format.