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How To Format a Write-Protected USB Drive

Damaris Gatwiri

A write-protected USB drive prevents any modification, deletion, or formatting of its data. This feature is useful for safeguarding files but can become a challenge when you need to erase or repurpose the device. Understanding how to remove write protection and format the USB drive properly ensures that you can continue using it effectively. This guide explains the steps to format a write-protected USB drive using different methods.

Understanding Write Protection on USB Drives

Write protection on USB drives can occur due to several reasons:

  • Physical Lock Switch: Some USB drives have a physical switch that enables or disables write protection.
  • Software Settings: System settings or third-party software can activate write protection.
  • Corrupted File System: A damaged or corrupted USB drive may automatically restrict write access to prevent further damage.
  • Malware Infection: Malicious software can modify the USB drive’s properties to enable write protection.

Steps to Format a Write-Protected USB Drive

1. Check for a Physical Lock Switch

Some USB drives have a small switch on the side or bottom that locks the device.

  • Inspect the USB drive for a switch labeled “Lock” or “Write Protect.”
  • If it’s enabled, slide it to the “Off” or “Unlock” position.
  • Reconnect the USB drive and try formatting it again.

2. Remove Write Protection via Command Prompt (Windows)

If there is no physical switch, Windows Command Prompt can disable write protection.

  • Plug the USB drive into your computer.
  • Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
  • In the Command Prompt window, type:
    diskpart

    Press Enter.

  • Type:
    list disk

    Press Enter to view connected drives. Identify your USB drive by its size.

  • Type:
    bash
    select disk X

    Replace X with your USB drive’s number. Press Enter.

  • Type:
    arduino
    attributes disk clear readonly

    Press Enter to remove the write protection.

  • Type:
    bash
    exit

    Press Enter to close the program.

  • Try formatting the USB drive by right-clicking it in File Explorer and selecting Format.

3. Use Registry Editor (Windows)

Incorrect registry settings can enable write protection. Adjusting the registry can help.

  • Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  • Navigate to:
    mathematica
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies
  • Double-click the WriteProtect entry.
  • Change its value from 1 to 0 and click OK.
  • Restart your computer and attempt to format the USB drive.

Note: If the StorageDevicePolicies folder doesn’t exist, create it:

  • Right-click Control, select New > Key, and name it StorageDevicePolicies.
  • Inside it, right-click, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it WriteProtect.
  • Set its value to 0.

4. Use Disk Management (Windows)

Disk Management provides another method to format USB drives.

  • Press Windows + X and select Disk Management.
  • Find your USB drive in the list.
  • Right-click the drive and choose Format.
  • Select the file system (e.g., NTFS or FAT32) and click OK.
  • If the format option is greyed out, the drive may still be write-protected.

5. Use Third-Party Software

Several third-party tools can remove write protection and format USB drives:

  • HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool
  • EaseUS Partition Master
  • AOMEI Partition Assistant

Download and install one of these tools, select the USB drive, and choose the option to remove write protection and format the drive.

6. For Mac Users: Use Disk Utility

If you are using a Mac, Disk Utility can help format the drive.

  • Plug the USB drive into your Mac.
  • Open Disk Utility from Applications > Utilities.
  • Select your USB drive from the sidebar.
  • Click Erase and choose a format (e.g., ExFAT or Mac OS Extended).
  • Click Erase to format the drive.

If write protection persists, use Terminal:

  • Open Terminal.
  • Type:
    diskutil list

    Identify the USB drive.

  • Type:
    bash
    sudo diskutil eraseDisk FAT32 USB MBRFormat /dev/diskX

    Replace X with your USB drive’s identifier.

Preventing Future Write Protection Issues

  • Safely Eject the USB Drive: Always eject the USB drive properly to avoid data corruption.
  • Scan for Malware: Regularly scan the USB drive for viruses that might cause write protection.
  • Avoid Physical Damage: Handle the USB drive carefully to prevent damage that could lead to errors.

Also Read: How To Fix A Radiator Leak

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