The disk is Write Protected error is related to USB or SD card in Windows 10, 7, and 8. So many users have reported “the disk is write-protected” error message while transferring data to a USB drive or SD card in Windows OS. You can quickly solve this issue and remove write protection permission from USB or memory cards.
What is “The Disk is Write Protected” Problem?
This is a very common problem with Windows 10 and so many users have reported the same error on the Microsoft forum. Whenever we try to copy any file or folder to Windows, it throws an error with this message, “The Disk is Write Protected. Remove or Use Another Disk”.
If you’re troubled with this problem, you can easily follow this article to identify why this happens and how to correct it properly.
Reasons for the Error
We have conducted in-depth research on this issue and finally found some reasons due to which you may face this error.
Check USB drive /SD card and card Reader
There is a problem with your USB drive or SD card. Also, check your card reader if you are using an SD card.
Physical Breakdown
There could be many reasons why your USB flash drives become write protected but most likely, its functionality depends on the device itself. This means that the device may be physically unstable or infected with spyware and other viruses. To resolve this situation, you must first know what is wrong with your device before finding a solution. For instance, some brands of these drives don’t perform well, and it can be because of a minor bug in the software or hardware. Simply replacing the unit will solve the problem.
Malicious Software
Sometimes, malicious software may cause your drive to be read-only. In such cases, you have two options – you can either manually remove that malware or virus using antivirus softwares or you can use a third-party uninstaller. Removing the program manually may not be effective because sometimes, the malware is hidden deep inside files on your computer. So you have to use advanced malware protection softwares like Malwarebytes to fix the issue.
Also Read: How to Remove FileRepMetagen Malware in Windows 10
Computer Crash – It is one of the most common reasons why your USB disk becomes read-only. You should then use the computer repair tool to fix any issues with the drive, such as corrupt sectors or missing file descriptors.
Read-only switch
Some latest SD cards and USB drives have a physical switch to enable and disable the read-only features.
Security
Sometimes your Windows firewall is blocking your USB or SD card. You have to customize security settings in the registry.
Drive Issues
Due to outdated or old drivers, you may face this issue with your USB flash drive.
Whatever the reason is, you can easily fix this problem using some simple steps. Let’s get started!
How to Remove Write Protection from USB
Before following these solutions, make sure that your USB or SD card is in working condition. Try to connect them with another computer or laptop. If your USB is working completely fine with another system, then the issue is with your system not the USB drive or SD card.
Also, check the card reader device if you are using it.
Method 1: Format the USB or SD Card
The first thing you have to do is, format your drive. There are three methods to format your drive.
1) Using File Explorer
Step 1: Right-click on your USB drive in file explorer. Then click on format.
Step 2: Now select restore settings and then click on start.
It will format your USB or SD card and clean it. It will fix all issues related to malware and memory.
Also Read: Fix Seagate External Hard Drive Not Detected or Showing Up
2) Using Diskpart Tool
You can also use the Diskpart tool to format your drive.
To use the Diskpart tool, follow these steps:
- Open CMD from the start menu > type “diskpart” > press enter.
- Click on yes when asked. This will open the diskpart tool.
- Type the “list volume” command and press enter.
- Then type “select volume 11” to select your device. (here 11 is my USB drive, choose your accordingly)
- Now type format fs=ntfs label=”new volume quick” command and press enter.
- It will automatically format your pen drive.
3) Using Disk Management
Disk management is another built-in tool to manage all internal and external storage devices. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open start menu > search for “create” and choose create and format hard disk partition.
Step 2: Now find your USB device here and right-click on it.
Step 3: Select formating options and click ok.
Solution 2: Check for USB Drive Viruses
As we mentioned already, spyware and malware can cause this problem. So try to scan your USB drive with trusted antivirus and antimalware software. You can use Windows Defender or Malwarebytes to scan your device.
Solution 3: Enable Read Mode
Many external devices like USB drives, or SD cards have a physical button to lock or unlock read mode. So check if it is enabled or disabled.
Solution 4: Change File Type
Make sure that the file you are copying is not read-only. You can check it using properties.
Step 1: Right-click on the file or folder that you want to copy > go to properties.
Step 2: Make sure that the Read-only option is not selected. If it is enabled, then remove the checkmark and click Apply.
Solution 5: Update USB drivers and Card reader driver
Outdated or damaged drivers can cause this “The disk is write-protected. Remove this write-protection or use another disk” issue. First, you have to update your drivers.
You can download the USB driver manually from the manufacturer’s website and install it.
You can also use 3rd party driver updater software like driver easy and driver talent to update drivers automatically on your Windows 10. For more information, refer to this guide.
Solution 6: Edit Registry Files
Open registry editor using these steps:
Step 1: Open start menu > search for Run. Then type “regedit”. This will open the registry editor.
Step 2: Go to this path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies
If this key is not available then create a new one.
- Right-click on the Control > select New > Key > rename it to StorageDevicePolicies.
- Select the StorageDevicePolicies key > right-click on any empty space > select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Enter WriteProtect name for it.
- Double-click on WriteProtect > change the value data from 0 to 1.
- Now remove and again attach your USB drive. It should work.
Conclusion
The disk-protected error is very common among Windows 10 users, as there are so many issues with the drivers and OS compatibility.
If you have any questions or want to ask something, you can comment below.
