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

The write-protected or read-only error shows up when I plug my USB into my computer. I can't transfer data to it, nor can I modify or delete any files already stored on it. I am unable to reformat the drive using Windows Disk Management, DiskPart, GParted, or other tools. The drive does not have a write-protect switch. Why did this happen, and what can I do about it?

Best Answered by

Roxanne· Answered on Apr 19, 2024

Suppose the write-protected or read-only error message shows on your PC when you plug in the USB. In that case, you can only read the information but not change or delete any data on this drive. Some reasons might lead to this problem:

  • Filesystem corruption.
  • Incorrect group policy settings.
  • Power problem on the USB used to read the drive.

I will share some worked and tested methods to help you handle this. However, before fixing this problem, ensure your USB is not out of space.

The first method uses safe and effective removal software, EaseUS Partition Master Free. Its Write Protection Removal tool will give you a quick and easy solution to fix the write protection problem. 

Free Download 

Windows 11/10/8/7100% Secure

Step 1. Download and install EaseUS Partition Master.

Step 2. Click the "Toolkit section" from the left bar, and click "Write Protection."

Step 3. Choose your write-protected USB, and click "Disable."

Another effective method is to remove the write protection by editing the Registry:

Step 1. Press the "Win+R" key and type "Regedit" to open Registry Editor. 

Step 2. Navigate to the following location to find the "WriteProtect" key.

"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies"

Step 3. Right-click the key to choose "Modify" and change the value from 1 to 0.

If you are interested in other write protection solutions, click the link below.

Read More: How To Format a Write-Protected SD Card

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