How to Remove Write Protection for a 16GB USB Flash Drive

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Roxanne· Answered on Apr 19, 2024

From your description, you are unable to format the write-protected USB flash drive, according to my experience. You should try to fix the error "the disk is write-protected" and remove write protection from your USB flash drive. Here in this article are some methods to remove the write protection for your USB device.

This first method works extremely efficiently to fix USB won't format issues when the USB gets locked, encrypted, corrupted, or even the USB flash drive becomes write-protected. First of all, If the USB flash drive has a physical switch, switch the lock from the ON side to the OFF side. In most cases, it can help you address this question.

But if your USB flash drive hasn't a physical switch, you can try the second way. Sometimes, your USB flash drive may also get write-protected if it is in a read-only state. Therefore, you can change the read-only state to remove the write protection for the USB flash drive.

Step 1. Plug the USB flash drive into your PC.

Step 2. Open Windows File Explorer, locate the files which are write-protected in your USB flash drive, and select "Property."

Step 3. Go to the General tab, uncheck "Read Only," click "Apply," and "OK" to finish.

However, it is recommended that you can try a third-party tool, which is EaseUS Partition Master. It is an easier way for users to fix the issue. If you want to guarantee a successful operation, you can try this software.

It can help you remove write protection for your USB flash drive. Follow the steps to learn how to remove the write protection for your USB drive, and then format your USB drive as follows:

In addition to removing the write protection for devices like USB flash drives, the EaseUS Partition Master also has other functions for users, as follows:

• Fix the USB drive showing the wrong size
• Remove write protection on SD cards
• Format bootable Pen Drive

In a word, I believe it will be helpful for you to address the error "the disk is write-protected." Now you can try to remove the write protection for your USB flash drive, and then you can format your USB flash drive.

Notice: Formatting will clean up all saved data on a storage device. Therefore, if you have important files saved in your USB flash drive, you should remember to back up your data first.