How to Format the Write Protected Flash Drive

When I want to format my flash drive, it prompts an error message 'The disk is write-protected.' It has no switch, and I guess it's a virus. So I tried using Malwarebytes and Avast, but it is still write-protected. So I removed it manually using a CMD, but I can't hit the delete key. There is no delete option in the window. I also tried the Storage Device Policies in the registry, but it is already set to '0'. Any suggestions?

If your flash drive is write-protected, you can neither disable the write protection nor format it. In that case, you can only read the information but not change or delete any data on this drive. Sometimes one single file is write-protected could lead to this error. So, it would be best if you made sure the read-only option is unchecked:

  • First, find the write protection file, right-click it, and click "Properties."
  • Next, scroll down to the "Attributes" section and uncheck the "Read-only" option. 
  • Finally, click "Apply" to make your operation effective.

Many write protection removal tools also exist if you want to avoid fixing this manually. I highly recommend using EaseUS Partition Master Free to remove the write protection of your flash drive. It has enhanced features like Partition Manager, Disk Clone, and Disk Converter.

Free Download 

Windows 11/10/8/7100% Secure

Remove the write protection and format the drive as follows:

Step 1. Launch the EaseUS Partition Master Free on your computer.

Step 2. Select the "Toolkit" section from the left navigation bar.

Step 3. Click "Write Protection," select the protected device, and hit the "Disable" button.

Step 4. Open the "Partition Manager" section, right-click, and choose the "Format" option.

Read More: How Do You Format a Micro SD Card 

If the above solutions cannot resolve your problem, you can fix the error by killing the virus. However, when connected to your PC, downloading data from illegal websites will infect and attack your flash drive. You can use antivirus software to scan and repair your flash drive.

 

People Also Ask

How to Remove the Write Protection for HP USB Flash Drive

Did you have a similar situation in that you cannot reformat your USB flash drive, and it tells you it is write-protected? Do not worry; this passage will tell you how to remove the write protection for HP USB flash drive.

Roxanne

May 16, 2024

How to Remove SATA SSD Write Protection, Help

This article will offer a complete guide to how to remove SATA SSD write protection. And each workable solution followed the detailed steps.

Roxanne

May 16, 2024

Why Won't My External Hard Drive Show Up

Why won't my external hard drive show up? If you face the same issue, read and learn how to fix the 'external hard drive not showing up' problem.

Roxanne

Jun 17, 2024

Can I Remove Write Protection from Kingston DT50, Help me out

This post aims to solve a popular question: how to remove write protection from Kingston DT50? Which provides more than one method on this page, each including detailed steps.

Roxanne

May 16, 2024

I Want to Format the External Hard Drive to Use the Files on Mac and Windows, How to Do It?

As we know, some file systems cannot work with both Mac and Windows. This post will teach you how to format the external hard drive to use the files on Mac and Windows. Read and learn.

Roxanne

Apr 18, 2024

Failed to Format Write-Protected NVMe Drive, Help

Are you finding some methods to fix the issue that you failed to format write-protected NVMe drive? Do not worry; this article will show you detailed guides to help you format the write-protected NVMe drive. Now you can read this passage.

Roxanne

May 16, 2024