How to Format the Write Protected Flash Drive

When I want to format my flash drive, it prompts an error message 'The disk is write-protected.' It has no switch, and I guess it's a virus. So I tried using Malwarebytes and Avast, but it is still write-protected. So I removed it manually using a CMD, but I can't hit the delete key. There is no delete option in the window. I also tried the Storage Device Policies in the registry, but it is already set to '0'. Any suggestions?

Best Answered by

Roxanne· Answered on Apr 04, 2023

If your flash drive is write-protected, you can neither disable the write protection nor format it. In that case, you can only read the information but not change or delete any data on this drive. Sometimes one single file is write-protected could lead to this error. So, it would be best if you made sure the read-only option is unchecked:

  • First, find the write protection file, right-click it, and click "Properties."
  • Next, scroll down to the "Attributes" section and uncheck the "Read-only" option. 
  • Finally, click "Apply" to make your operation effective.

Many write protection removal tools also exist if you want to avoid fixing this manually. I highly recommend using EaseUS Partition Master Free to remove the write protection of your flash drive. It has enhanced features like Partition Manager, Disk Clone, and Disk Converter.

Free Download 

Windows 11/10/8/7100% Secure

Remove the write protection and format the drive as follows:

Step 1. Launch the EaseUS Partition Master Free on your computer.

Step 2. Select the "Toolkit" section from the left navigation bar.

Step 3. Click "Write Protection," select the protected device, and hit the "Disable" button.

Step 4. Open the "Partition Manager" section, right-click, and choose the "Format" option.

Read More: How Do You Format a Micro SD Card 

If the above solutions cannot resolve your problem, you can fix the error by killing the virus. However, when connected to your PC, downloading data from illegal websites will infect and attack your flash drive. You can use antivirus software to scan and repair your flash drive.

 

People Also Ask

Can't Format an mSATA Drive, What Should I Do

Do you know why you can't format mSATA drives? This page will solve the problem of being unable to format on Windows. You will get one of the best disk management tools to help you finish formatting.

Cici

Feb 22, 2023

Can't Delete Files or Format My SD Card, What Should I Do?

Why can't delete files or format my SD card? This article provides a detailed guide on this issue and introduces an efficient way to help format a write-protected SD card.

Sherly

Feb 22, 2023

How to Wipe Write-Protected SSD, Help

Are you finding some ways to help you wipe write-protected SSD? Do not worry; this passage will give you a detailed tutorial to wipe write-protected SSD. Now you can read this passage.

Roxanne

Apr 19, 2023

How to Fix USB Is Write Protected or Read Only, Help

This article can explain why write protection or read-only happen and provide practical solutions to help you remove the write protection and get the USB back to use.

Roxanne

Apr 04, 2023

How Do I Format a Drive for Network Shared Drive on Mac and Windows? Help

This passage will help you to deal with the problem of how to format a network shared drive for Mac and Windows effectively. You can choose the most suitable file system format for your Mac and Windows and then follow the tips in this article to finish formatting quickly.

Cici

Feb 22, 2023

How Do I Recover a Pen Drive from Write-Protected?

Have you ever got into write protection trouble? Then how do I recover a pen drive from write-protected? This page will provide the tested and worked ways to help you remove the write protection.

Roxanne

May 05, 2023