Remove the write protection or use another disk
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USB memory sticks and similar transferable data storage devices are convenient if you want to have your photos, media, installations, or work files ready to go. It’s been quite some time since these storage devices have become the most prevalent method for storing digital data. However, sometimes it might happen that you can’t transfer your files onto a USB stick because write protection is activated. USB sticks and storage are not considered fixed drives, so they get mounted as removable media. Regardless, failed writing attempts can be inconvenient on a USB stick. Luckily, there are quick and easy methods to solve the write protection issue, whether you’re on a Windows PC or a Mac. There’s even a solution if you’re working on a Chromebook. Note: Some SanDisk USB sticks (flash drives) and possibly other brands have an internal protection mechanism. According to SanDisk, if the USB drive experiences a power fluctuation or other potentially damaging error, it shuts off write access, and there is no way to get it back. They expect you to copy the data to another drive and replace it. Check for a Write Protection Switch FirstBefore we go into details about write protection removal in different operating systems, there’s one thing to check first. Some data storage units have a physical switch for turning write protection on or
off. Take the USB stick you’ve tried to write to and look for that switch, usually located on the side, and it might also be labeled as “Lock” or “Write Protection.” Switch it to the other position, reinsert it, and then attempt to transfer data to the memory stick again. If that works, your problem is solved, and all you need to do is ensure the switch doesn’t accidentally get moved in the wrong position again. If there’s no switch (most common), or you still can’t write to the USB, you’ll need to employ other methods. Let’s get started! Remove USB Write Protection using WindowsThere are several ways to remove write protection from a USB stick if you have a Windows PC. Let’s take a look at some of them now. Turn Bitlocker Off to Disable USB Write ProtectionSince Windows 7, BitLocker became integrated into Windows 7/Vista (Enterprise and Ultimate) and Windows 8 and 10 (Pro and Ultimate) editions to protect your data with encryption. The software primarily gets used for internal drives, but it can also encrypt USB sticks/drives. Other versions of Windows, such as Home editions, require a separate download to decrypt the data when it comes to USB encryption. This scenario also applies when using macOS. Yes, Windows has a Bitlocker decryption tool for Macs too. Regardless, Bitlocker is off by default, but you may have activated it before and forgot about it, or someone else did it for you. How to Turn Off BitLocker on a USB StickTo turn off BitLocker on a USB stick, you must have the password or recovery key. You’ll have to reformat the drive if you don’t have either option. If you have the key or password to BitLocker, follow the steps below.
After you’ve disabled BitLocker, try to copy something on the USB stick again and see if the problem disappears. Use Diskpart to Disable USB Write ProtectionDiskpart is a command line tool that lets you manage all storage units detected by the computer. To remove write protection using Diskpart, follow these steps:
Use the Windows Registry to Disable USB Write ProtectGoing into the Windows Registry is not recommended for inexperienced users. The wrong input could seriously affect your system performance or render it unresponsive. Don’t worry, though. Even if you’re not familiar with the under-the-hood features, you’ll be able to remove the write protection if you follow our method very carefully. Just ensure not to take any action other than the specified steps below.
After the reboot, check if the USB is now operating as it should. This method disables the write protection on all your drives, so it should make your USB writable again. Beware that editing the Windows Registry on your own can mess up your computer, so after you’ve followed our instructions, it’s best not to revisit it. If none of the above options removed file protection from your USB stick, try searching for a third-party application. Removing USB Write Protection on a MacThere’s much less flexibility when resolving the write protection issue on Mac versus Windows. You only have two options available—one is for storage units that can’t be written to due to a fault with the device, while the other involves formatting the drive. Option 1: Repair the PermissionsThe permissions for your USB drive might be faulty, causing it to become write-protected. If that’s the case, you should try fixing the error using “Disk Utility.” To do so, follow these simple steps:
If the fault was in the permission settings, the steps above should remove the USB’s write protection. Option 2: Format the DriveOne foolproof way to remove the write protection on macOS is to format the drive. Beware that this process erases all data on the USB device, so ensure you copy any important files to another location before proceeding.
Once the drive gets formatted, the write protection should disappear. When choosing a format, note that some options are Mac-exclusive, while others, like “exFat,” can be universally used with Mac and Windows computers. Removing USB Write Protection on a ChromebookIf you’re using a USB with your Chromebook and suspect it’s write-protected, formatting the drive is your only option. Follow the steps below to reformat your locked USB drive/stick on your Chromebook.
Unfortunately, this is the only reliable method to remove write protection from a USB on a Chromebook. As previously stated, formatting the drive will erase all data, so back it up beforehand. If you are a Linux user, this process unlocks the write protection on your USB drive or stick.
In the example/procedures above, you identify the drive, change its read-only permissions to off, then unmount and remount it via the terminal, not by ejecting it. In closing, write protection can be a nuisance, especially when you don’t know how it happened on your storage device. Luckily, you’ve learned how to remove write protection from a USB stick or device on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook computers. The issue should no longer catch you off-guard, but there are no guarantees. With all the methods explained here, at least one should allow you to edit, copy, move, or delete files on your USB or SD card in no time!
Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way. Send To SomeoneMissing DeviceHow can I remove disk writeCheck the USB Stick for Viruses. ... . Check the USB Drive Body. ... . Check to Make Sure the USB Stick Isn't Full. ... . Remove Individual Files With Write Protection. ... . DiskPart Command Prompt Utility. ... . Clear Write Protection Error in Windows Registry. ... . Format the USB Drive. ... . Turn Off BitLocker or Remove Encryption.. Why can't I remove write protection USB?Virus infection may also sometimes cause storage devices like USB flash drive write-protected or locked. The best way to fix this issue is to run professional virus cleaner software to fully remove the virus and unlock the device. Here is a list of recommended virus removal programs for you to try: Avast Antivirus.
Why is my USB drive suddenly writeSome USB flash drives and SD cards have physical switches on the side to protect data. If the USB drive or SD card switch is locked, the device could become write-protected on all PC or devices. You can get out of this problem by turning off the switch.
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