When trying to write data to a flash drive, users are faced with disk write protection, so they are faced with the question of how to remove write protection from a flash drive. A message appears on the computer screen: “The disc is write-protected. Remove protection or use another disk."
It is necessary to remove write protection from a USB flash drive, because it is impossible to copy or add files on the device, or, conversely, delete files from the disk in the operating room Windows system. In this case, you will not be able to use a flash drive to perform your tasks.
Such an unexpected situation occurs, which, as usual, arose at the most inopportune moment. The user expects to use a USB flash drive or flash memory card various types(SD, xD, MS, CF, etc.), and then there’s this error.
The reasons for the error may be different: due to a hardware malfunction, or the problem is caused by software actions. It happens that the flash memory device simply malfunctions, for example, the electronic filling burned out, so there is nothing you can do to help here.
Sometimes you cannot use a flash drive due to viruses. Checking the flash drive using an antivirus program and removing malicious software from the disk will help you get out of the situation.
The main reasons for blocking writes to flash memory devices:
- hardware failure of the drive;
- write protection using physical locking;
- virus infection;
- changing the disk attribute to read-only mode.
If the flash drive is write-protected, what should I do, how to remove the protection? In this guide, we will look at 5 methods that help remove write protection on a flash drive. In most cases, this problem is solved successfully.
How to remove write protection from a flash drive physically
On SD cards and some USB flash drives there is a switch that serves to disable/enable the drive's recording mode. In this case, the flash drive or micro flash drive (memory card) is write-protected mechanically.
On the body of a flash drive or memory card there is a special switch marked with the word “Lock” with a picture of a lock. Move the switch to a different position, and then check the operation of the flash drive on your computer.
How to remove write protection from a flash drive on the command line
If the flash drive says: remove write protection, you can use the command line to remove the read-only attribute from the disk.
Follow these steps:
- Run Command Prompt as an administrator (read how to run Command Prompt in Windows 10).
- In the command line interpreter window, enter (after entering the appropriate command, press the Enter key):
- Next, enter the command to display all drives on your computer:
- The Command Prompt window will display all drives connected to the computer. We need to choose a flash drive number, which can be easily determined by the size of the disk.
On this computer the flash drive is 8 GB (7712 MB) in size, so I should select the number “1”, on your computer the flash drive may be different serial number disk.
- Enter the command to select a volume (disk):
- Next, run a command that clears the attributes of the selected drive:
Close the command line interpreter. Check the operation of the flash drive on your computer.
How to disable write protection of a flash drive in Registry Editor
By changing the Windows registry, you can disable write protection for flash drives.
To do this, do the following:
- Press the “Win” + “R” keys on your keyboard at the same time, and in the “Run” window, enter the command “regedit” (without quotes).
- In the Registry Editor window, follow the path:
- In the “StorageDevicePolicies” section, right-click on the “WriteProtect” parameter, and in the context menu click “Edit...”.
- In the "Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value" window, in the "Value" field, enter the value "0" (without quotes), and then click on the "OK" button.
- Restart your computer.
If the "StorageDevicePolicies" key is not in the registry, create it. To do this, right-click on the “Control” section, select “New” => “Section”.
In the "StorageDevicePolicies" section, create a DWORD value (32 bits) named "WriteProtect", set the value to "0". Reboot your system.
How to remove the write ban on a flash drive in the Local Group Policy Editor
A write ban on a removable drive can be set in the Windows Local Group Policy Editor. In this case, you need to disable the ban in the following way:
- Press the “Win” + “R” keyboard keys, in the “Run” window that opens, enter the command “gpedit.msc”, and then click on the “OK” button.
- In the Local Group Policy Editor window, go to: “Computer Configuration” => “Administrative Templates” => “System” => “Access to Removable Storage Devices”.
- Right-click on the "Removable drives: Deny writing" policy, in the "Removable drives: Deny writing" window, set the option to "Disabled", and then click on the "OK" button.
Check for a problem with the removable drive.
Troubleshooting by formatting a flash drive
If the flash drive has the FAT32 file system (FAT16, FAT, exFAT), then you will not be able to move files larger than 4 GB to the USB drive. To support the use of files on a flash drive big size, you need a drive in the NTFS file system.
In other cases, formatting to the default file system sometimes helps restore the problematic flash drive to functionality.
Using utilities to recover flash drives
Specialized utilities from device manufacturers will help you cope with many problems that arise in the operation of USB flash drives. Well-known manufacturers: Transcend, Silicon Power, ADATA, Kingston, etc., have created software to restore the functionality of their devices.
Using the programs: JetFlash Online Recovery, USB Flash Drive Recovery, USB Flash Drive Online Recovery, Kingston Format Utility, solve problems that arise when working with flash drives.
If these utilities do not help, use more advanced programs: HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool, AlcorMP, D-Soft Flash Doctor.
Conclusions of the article
If a problem occurs with the write protection of the disk, the user cannot use the flash drive. Using various tools, you can try to solve the problem that has arisen: remove write protection from the flash drive.
One of the most reliable means of storing personal information is flash media. For many, such a device becomes the first assistant in their work; with its help, you can easily carry the necessary information just in your pocket. When it comes to the security of storing various programs and files, special software is often used. It is designed to protect the media from copying, deleting or moving materials, as well as from reading, without entering a special code.
But even if you have not used such programs, and when you run the command to transfer its contents, the error appears: “The disk is write-protected,” do not panic, determine the reason and use the suggested methods. Removing protection from a flash drive is not a difficult task at all, and most importantly, it can be solved and is more economical than buying a new one.
Causes
A flash drive can be blocked for many reasons. The most common ones are listed here:- Incorrect Windows settings, for example, a software ban installed in the operating system;
- Failure of the media, often poorly produced “flash drives” - Chinese counterfeits of world leaders;
- The physical switch is in the wrong position;
- The host is infected with a virus;
- Malfunction of computer USB ports;
- Lack of a driver responsible for correct device recognition;
- Incorrect use. For example, you cannot remove the media until the process is completed: writing, downloading, renaming, moving or reading;
Proven methods for removing protection from a drive
On the Internet, a lot of recommendations are described for getting rid of such a problem, both hardware and software, and most importantly, the authors of such posts write that his method is “the best.”We present to your attention “TOP 7 effective ways» how to remove write protection from a flash drive, all of them have been tested and confirmed by a large number of users.
Hardware method using Windows command line
First you need to start the line, we do this by simultaneously pressing two keys on the keyboard: Windows + R. The “Run” window will open and enter the command “ cmd"and press the OK button;
The system response is to open the command line;
Required to enter " Diskpart»;
and press Enter. A new window will open - disk management program;
To continue, enter " list disk", confirm the action by pressing the Enter button;
In the window that opens, a list will appear on which you need to determine the number of the required media, focusing on the amount of memory, in our case it is Disk 5 - an 8Gb flash drive. Select a disk using the command: select disk )(, where -)(, this is the disk number, in our case 5;
After it has written to you: “Disk selected )(”, enter the following command, which will remove the block from all protected files that had a “read-only” error when opened. Command: attributes disk clear readonly(can be copied);
When “Disk attributes have been successfully cleared” is displayed, you can exit the program by entering the “Exit” command.
After closing the utility, check the media for functionality. Once you are confident in the operation of the method, you can continue to use the device without extra costs.
Virus scanning
One of the most relevant ways to solve this problem is also to scan the media for virus infection. To do this, you will need to go to “My Computer” and right-click on the device assigned to operating system name, for example, "Disk Z".
Then select “Check for viruses” in the menu. After a few minutes, the scanning result window will appear on the screen. This method can be applied to any antivirus software installed on your PC.
The flash drive can be write-protected by unauthorized installation of virus software. A clearly demonstrated method will help solve this problem, and will also protect your computer from automatic installation of unnecessary gadgets.
Hardware button on the carrier. Mechanical protection
Some models of portable USB drives have built-in protection that is turned on/off using an installed button. Be sure to pay attention to this; to allow recording and moving, the button must point to the “open lock.”
Formatting
Often, to eliminate such an error, utilities created for formatting are used. Remember when using this method All files from the media will be completely deleted.
Applying Windows Group Policy
It is possible to restrict rights by local group policy; the elimination of such infringement of rights should be carried out by following the algorithm:
Press Windows + R at the same time and enter the command gpedit.msc, click OK;
In the window that appears, go through the tabs sequentially:
- Computer configuration;
- Administrative Templates;
- System;
- Access to removable storage devices.
By clicking twice, an option window will open;
Check “Disable” → “Apply” → and confirm by clicking “Ok”.
By completing such a simple process, you can easily remove the interference in the infringement of the rights to use the media and continue working.
Programs to fix errors
If the above hardware fix methods did not give the desired result, you should try using software.Soft disks are designed for expensive storage media; for less valuable storage devices there are also a lot of programs, for example:
JetFlash Recovery Tool - free program freely available, intended for media from A-Data and Transcend. Its main functionality includes the ability to eliminate writing and reading errors, as well as unlocking. After downloading the utility from its creator’s resource, run it using the file of the same name, .exe format. After waiting for installation, click the JFRecoveryTool.exe shortcut. When the working window opens, insert the USB flash drive into the USB input and click “Start”. After the process is completed, check the drive to see if the error has been resolved.
Apacer Repair- the utility is created individually for media produced by Apacer Technology Inc, and is also applicable for third-party drives. The functionality can eliminate recording problems. It is recommended to download the program from the official resource, where it is posted and available for download completely free of charge. After completing the download process and connecting the USB drive, run the utility. First of all, she will do the formatting, for which there will be a warning. By clicking “Format”, the successfully completed process will allow you to forget about the recently disturbing problem.
Knowing the brand name of your carrier, it will not be difficult for you to select the required program; there are tons of them on the Internet. It is to solve such problems that manufacturers create them and post them on Internet resources; it is worth noting that they are all freely available.
It is not always possible to determine the real reason malfunction and remove write protection. But having used the above methods, based on the result you will understand exactly what to do next: safely use a working device, or buying a new one will become an inevitable event.
We do not guarantee the safety of information!
Let's talk about how to remove write protection from an SD memory card on Android. Many people face this problem when they try to copy or move files to an SD card. In this article you will find several ways to remove protection Android entries.
How to remove write protection from Android SD card
If you get an error like the image above when you try to copy files or format your SD card, then know that this is not your problem. Moreover, the memory card is not damaged or infected with a virus, it is simply write-protected. Without further ado, we will look at several methods on how to remove Android write protection.
How to remove Android write protection from SD card using Regedit
Most problems and errors can be easily resolved using the registry. We can also use it to remove Android write protection.
This method works in most cases, but if for some reason you are unable to use it, then try the following methods.
How to remove Android write protection from SD card using Diskpart
- Insert the SD memory card into your computer and launch Command Prompt. You can do this by pressing WIN+R and typing "CMD" or simply typing " Command line» in the Start menu.
- In the Command Prompt window, you must enter the following commands in order.
- diskpart
- list disk
- select disk x (where X is your SD card number)
- attributes disk clear readonly
- clean
- create partition primary
- format fs=fat32
If this method did not help to remove Android write protection, do not despair, we have a couple more solutions to this problem.
Change resolution
- Insert the SD memory card into the computer. Right-click on the memory card and select Properties. Then in the Security tab you will find your account name.
- Change the SD card resolution to Read/Write, Read/Execute, or Full Control.
This method will remove Android write protection.
Alternatively, you can look closely at your SD card to find the lock button. If it is, just switch it. The lock button is used to protect data from being deleted or completely formatted on the memory card.
We hope you were able to remove Android write protection. If you have any questions, please write in the comments below.
If the user’s attempts to erase, format, write, edit, save the file, transfer or other similar actions with a flash drive are unsuccessful, then he is probably dealing with a protected flash drive and needs to decide how to remove the protection. The guide below contains all the necessary instructions on the issue at hand.
Causes of the “disk is write-protected” error. Why is the flash drive write protected?
When the PC complains that the disk is write-protected, it is necessary to first clarify the cause of the problem.
- Hardware;
- Software.
The disc can be write-protected at the request of its owner, simply by using a mechanical switch on the device or by using software tools. Also, the media is often programmatically blocked by the system itself, malicious applications, etc.
Main types of write protection
The first type is mechanical write protection: Manufacturers of flash drives take care to protect the integrity of information stored on their media. To the very simple type This includes equipping the device with buttons on the body or toggle switches with a “lock” icon.
The second type is software write protection: Software refers to a more reliable type of protection, in which special utilities are used to block access to information.
The easiest way to remove write protection from a flash drive (USB or SD card) in case of mechanical protection
If a USB flash drive or SD is mechanically write-protected, then how to remove the protection in this case?
You should inspect the media itself for the presence of a switch. On some USB flash drives, usually a small toggle switch is located at the end.
Almost all SD cards are equipped with a switch, so before using them, you need to install the switch, as shown in the photo below.
Owners of computers with the “Total Commander” utility installed, in any unclear case, turn to the capabilities of this file harvester, stuffed with many features.
In order to eliminate the problem in question, it is enough to follow several steps:
- Click “Configuration”;
- After that, click “Settings”;
- In the menu that appears, go to the “File Operations” tab and check the box: “Auto select method”;
- Click “Apply”;
- Click “Ok”;
- Ready.
You will need to complete the following steps:
Note: Sometimes the section described in paragraph 11 is missing. In this case, you need to create it. This is done simply: by right-clicking on the mouse in the “Control” subfolder, hovering the cursor over the “Create” line and clicking “Section”.
How to remove protection from a USB flash drive using Diskpart?
If disk is protected from the entry, the “Command Line” (CS) will help you quickly unlock it, but the information on the USB drive will be erased.
Steps:
- Through “Start”, launch “KS” with extended powers;
- Then in “KS” type “Diskpart”;
- Click “Enter”;
- Type "list disk";
- Click "Enter";
- Enter “select disk (here indicate the letter that the removable media is designated in the system, no need to insert parentheses)”;
- Input;
- Then execute “attributes disk clear readonly”;
- Enter "clean";
- "create partition primary";
- "formatfs=fat32";
- Input;
- "exit";
- Input;
- Ready.
How to remove protection from a disk using local group policy?
If there are no positive results in deciding how to remove protection from a flash drive using the above methods, you will have to use complex method and fix the problem through Group Policy (GP).
Action steps:
If you decide how to remove protection from usb flash drives, it is more convenient for the user to use “KS”, then you will need to run this tool with extended permissions.
Action steps:
- In the search line, type “cmd” or “KS”;
- Right-click on the search result;
- Open "KS" with extended rights.
- Diskpart;
- list disk;
- select disk (here indicate the letter that the removable media is designated in the system; no need to insert parentheses);
- attributes disk clear readonly;
- exit.
- Ready.
Programs to resolve the “disk is write-protected” error
All companies that produce USB drives develop software to work with them. However, all these programs can lead to positive result only when the user is logged in with administrator rights. The second important condition is that the software matches the drive model. In order to obtain accurate information about the media, it is convenient to use the “ChipGenius” utility. It is free and always available on the resource: “mydigit.cn”.
The application displays detailed information about the flash drive, based on which you can accurately determine which software to use.
Having found out the necessary information, it is recommended to visit the page http://flashboot.ru/iflash/, where you can select an application for your flash drive. The last paragraph of this guide provides examples of common software that can effectively solve problems that arise.
How to remove write protection from individual folders or files?
To remove the protection of an individual directory, you need to go to its “Properties” and check the corresponding boxes in the “Security” section.
If there is a ban on editing, for example, a text document, then you can simply copy its contents to another file and save it with normal settings, that is, without protection. Or use the file menu “Save as...”.
To remove system protection from a file, call up the context menu for it and click “properties”. Uncheck the “read only” box.
Often one file or folder is used by several applications at once and as a result the problem we are considering occurs. You need to close all utilities that use the file or directory. After this, access will be immediately provided.
Sometimes a folder or file is protected with passwords. To hack them, specialists have developed applications, for example, “Office Password Recovery.” This is one of the most effective utilities for cracking access codes. You only need to perform a few sequential steps:
- Click “open”;
- Go to the “attack” tab;
- Click “start”;
- Wait until the process completes;
- Ready.
You can also access individual directories and files by starting the PC in Safe Mode.
When the described methods do not help, it is recommended to install the “Unlocker” application, which, after installation, will appear in the context menu, so using it to work with individual files is especially convenient.
To do this, you will need to install a paid or free modification of the “HDD Low Level Format Tool” (mainly they differ only in the speed of formatting and the lack of automatic updating).
In addition to flash drives, the program can work with USB hard drives. The installation wizard will help you quickly install the utility on your PC.
If it is not important for the user to receive regular updates and is ready for formatting speed limitations, then it is better to choose the free option.
After installing the program to format a protected flash drive, you must perform the following steps:
- Select the flash drive.
- Click “Continue”.
- Read the information in the first tab of the program menu and go to “Low-level format”.
- Confirm your commitment and then click “FORMAT THIS DEVICE”.
After waiting for the process to complete, the mission will be completed, that is, all bytes of information have already been erased. In order to use the device in normal mode in the future, you will need to format it using the tools built into the OS.
Programs for formatting protected flash drives
Significant amount positive feedback The following programs have earned users:
AlcorMP— This utility, in addition to removing protection, does an excellent job of restoring the functionality of a USB drive.
In the menu you can select the “Russian” language, so even for beginners it does not cause difficulties.
HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool— The application is suitable for many flash drives, and it is also available for installation for free on the official resource.
In addition to unlocking and formatting functions, the utility can create bootable flash drives.
JetFlash Recovery Tool— Transcend owners appreciated the speed and simplicity of this program, which is capable of correcting errors in reading write blocks and unlocking protection.
Using this software will not complicate the user, since the built-in wizard will help you perform basic operations with a USB flash drive.
Apacer Repair— Owners of flash drives from Apacer easily cope with blocking, thanks to the proprietary utility.
If it is impossible to format the media using standard OS tools, the program will effortlessly complete the task within a few minutes.
Check Disk— A fully functional modification of the program is distributed freely on the Internet.
In addition to the main formatting function, the utility is used to monitor and correct errors on hard drives and USB drives (including flash drives).
It is impossible to imagine a single person in the 21st century who would not use a computer.
Yes, we all often use it for entertainment or to pass the time having fun.
But sometimes you need to do things that can make a profit or simply help others. Here's a situation: your friends bring you a memory card and ask you throw something at her look.
You insert a memory card into the computer, start transferring something to it, but an error appears that says “Card is protected.” What is this anyway, and what is it protected from? Why this protection? Now we'll figure it out
Memory card is write protected
First, let's explain that if the memory card is write-protected, then it contains files that should not be changed. This means that files that were previously downloaded to this flash drive must remain in the same state.
Why can’t you throw it off? Yes, because any files that are written to the memory card in the future can cause harm to already recorded folders and programs, in the form of a virus. This is why such a thing as an attribute is created. It is created in order to put the “Read Only” attribute on the folder.
It causes all files that should be written to be prohibited. The memory card remains under reliable protection th and will not be spoiled by other, unnecessary elements.
However, sometimes protection needs to be removed, because it is not even thanks to our actions. So what to do in such a situation? Now we'll tell you.
First action - check the lock lever on the card.
Physical lever set to Write Protect mode – the most common cause of this problem. We give a 90% guarantee that after you switch the lever on the card, the inability to write files to it will disappear!
If he does not block it, then we proceed to such actions. Right-click on the memory card in “My Computer”. A window opens, select “Properties” and remove the “Read Only” attribute there. As soon as you remove it, access to the memory card will be completely open.
You can write all files to it calmly and without prohibition. Now you are already writing a file, but... Still the same error. What's the matter?
Now the second step if the first does not help is to check the memory card for viruses. Yes, specifically for viruses. Who knows, maybe there is a potential spy on it who simply blocks all possible connections so that the memory card remains in this state for a long time.
So it turns out that the virus is blocking. Checking for antivirus and remove the virus. An excellent antivirus is Avast. He will help deal with this problem.
Another common problem can be a lack of memory on the disk. Yes, it is the lack of memory that causes it to be automatically blocked to avoid overload. This is what helps get rid of the problem.
If nothing mentioned above helps, then there is only one way out - format the memory card completely, that is, delete everything on it. Thus, by formatting it, you delete not only all files, but also possible viruses, completely disrupting the flash drive and settings.
These are the solutions to the problem. If even this did not help you, then there is one assumption - the memory card has come to an end. One of the internal chips was damaged to such an extent that it no longer wants to read, which means that it will be impossible to write.
The system of some of these cards itself protects the flash drive from viruses, immediately blocking it when downloading a new file. A very clever move, as it helps keep all data completely safe. It’s hard, but a virus can get into a memory card even with protection. But you will never understand this.
This brings our article to its logical conclusion. All the methods described above will solve your problem. Yes, it may seem to you that there is no solution to the problem, but there is always one. We guarantee this to you. We managed to figure out what “writing to a memory card” is and why it is blocked.
Also, we were able to analyze many options for why the card does not want to work with files that are recorded from an external source. Whatever the source, it must still be reliable. And the memory card itself protects you from all sorts of unfortunate situations.
We have also provided you choosing those solutions which can help solve the problem. Yes, there are problems different types, but in our case, problems can lead to data loss. Is this what you want? And most importantly, remember that you must always take care of it.
Very stupidly, having dropped it once, you can lose data, and if you are a student, it will be even more painful in such a situation. So you need to protect the card from falls. Handle it very carefully and always keep it in an open place. There are also quite a few thieves these days.
The article has come to an end, and we wish you a pleasant use of computer technology for your own purposes, as well as a very positive mood, so that problems never spoil it, and you are happier than ever
