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

When I plug my 16GB USB flash drive into my computer, the computer displays Disk Write Protected. So I try to format my USB flash drive. I have tried some methods, like resetting it using Sir and Regedit but still unable to format it. What can I do to address this issue? Is there anyone who can help me? Thanks.

Best Answered by

Roxanne· Answered on Aug 09, 2023

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.

Free Download 

Windows 11/10/8/7100% Secure

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:

Step 1. Download EaseUS Partition Master, and install this software.

Step 2. Enter the Toolkit section, and click "Write Protection."

Step 3. Select your write-protected USB flash drive, and click "Disable."

Step 4. Select the USB drive to format.

Step 5. Set the drive letter and file system on USB.

Step 6. Check "Yes" to confirm the formatting USB.

Step 7. Apply the changes.

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:

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.

People Also Ask

How to Format Write-Protected USB with Virus, Help

How to format a hard drive write-protected by virus? This short article provides a detailed guide on this issue. Dive into it and find the answer you want.

Sherly

Aug 09, 2023

How to Fix SanDisk Cruzer Flash Disk Is Write Protected, Help

SanDisk Cruzer flash disk is write-protected when you want to format it, and you can't continue to operate. This article will show you how to solve this problem with a few easy clicks.

Roxanne

Aug 09, 2023

How to Fix the Bootable Pen Drive Is Write Protected Error

Do you know how to fix the bootable Pen Drive is write protected error? This article will show you some ways with detailed steps, and if you are suffering from the same problem, you can read this article.

Roxanne

Aug 09, 2023

SD Card Write Protected When the Switch Is Unlocked, How to Fix

How to fix the SD card write-protected when the switch is locked? This post will share solid ways to help you tackle the problem and get the SD card reused.

Roxanne

Aug 09, 2023

How to Change USB Flash Drive From Read Only or From Being Write Protected

Have you met a situation in which your disk is read-only or write-protected on a USB flash drive? Reading on, this article will help you learn how to change USB flash drives from read-only or write-protected.

Sherly

Aug 09, 2023

How to Remove Write Protection Is on Error for USB Flash Drive

Have you met a problem with your USB flash drive not working on the computer? Do not worry. This article will help you remove write protection is on error for the USB flash drive to get the USB flash drive working again.

Roxanne

Aug 09, 2023