Hi, I recently inserted a USB flash drive into my computer for work. However, I could not manage it correctly. It did not allow me to delete or append new data. So I did some research and found out that it was write-protected. In other words, it was read-only as attributes. Therefore, its usefulness was limited. So I set myself the task of determining how to modify these permissions. So today we will see how to remove write protection from USB flash drives in Windows 10.
Removing write protection from USB with DiskPart.
There are many proposed methods. However, most of them derive from the use of DiskPart, so if this solution doesn’t work, then most of them won’t work either. Well, what we will do is to use this powerful disk manager built into Windows 10. With this in mind, press the Win+R combination. Once the box opens, please run the following command:
diskpart
Next, it is necessary to list all the disks present in the system. With this in mind, run the following command:
list disk
As you can see in the image, there are two disks installed. In this case, the external memory corresponds to Disk 1, so it is necessary to select it. With this in mind, run the following command:
select disk 1
Once the disk is selected, it is time to remove the read-only attribute. To do this, run the following command:
Attributes disk clear readonly
It is now sufficient to remove the memory and insert it again.
Using low-level formatting.
If the above method does not work, there is still an option. For this, it is necessary to apply low-level formatting. Of course, this will erase all data present in memory. But at least we will be able to use it again. Consequently, we will use the HDD LLF app. This program is free, but it is possible to pay a fee to remove speed limitations. Specifically, the free version is limited to 180 GB per hour or 50 MB/s. Moreover, it is very light and portable. You can download it from here. By executing it, you will be able to manage the payment. Otherwise, you can continue free of charge. In the interface, you will see the disks present. Please select the external memory.
Next, click on the Low-level format tab. Here are a couple of formatting options. If you want to remove the write protection, and also correct any problems, then select Format this device. This involves complete low-level formatting. So it will take a little longer. If, on the other hand, you only want to remove the attribute, then check the quick formatting box.
Whatever your choice, you will eventually see this screen.
Once again, it is necessary to reinsert the USB drive and check if the problem is solved. Okay, we have seen how to remove write protection from USB flash drives in Windows 10. In addition, we analyzed one option with a command line and another with third-party tools. See you later!
