How To Remove Write-Protected on Micro SD Card on Windows

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how to remove write protection on micro sd card

Is there a problem with your microSD card? Whether to remove write protection from it or not. Don’t worry. We have your coverage. In this article we’ll give you step-by-step instructions on how to remove write protection on micro sd card. This issue is rare, however there are several remedies. Understand write protection before diving into the repair.

Why Is My MicroSD Card Write-protected?

Writing Protection prohibits SD card data erasure or alteration. A little physical switch may be switched on or off. Enabling the switch locks the card to prevent inadvertent deletion of valuable data. Changes to a writing-protected microSD card will result in “memory card locked” or “cannot write to SD card” warnings.

It is important to note that while the SD card has a physical lock switch, the microSD card is no exception, except that they are used with the adapter. In case there is an error in writing protection on the micro SD card that is inserted in the adaptor, the first step is to expel the card and check the location of the physical locking switch. If the switch is shifted to the back of the card, it means that the card is locked or blocked from writing.

If the microSD card adapter is not locked or you are not using the adapter. The writing protection problem is inside the MicroSD card itself. There are several possible causes for this problem, including virus encryption or malware, badly damaged document parts in the recently installed third-party application file system, physical damage or only-readable properties assigned to the card.

Identifying a write-proof microSD card is quite easy. When the card is written-prohibited, you will not be able to change the information stored on it. It can not be added, deleted, or changed. This can be very disappointing, especially if you want to use a micro SD card as an emergency.

How To Remove Write Protection From a MicroSD Card on Windows

Now we are talking about the causes and signs of a microSD card being blocked from writing. To how to remove the write protection. You can watch the video tutorial for quick fixing or follow the steps described below.

Method 1: Use a physical switch.

The quickest approach is to swap the microSD card’s hardware switch, unless it also acts as an adaptor. Find a little tab on the left or right of your micro SD card after removing it. The white and plastic make it simple to spot. Moving the switch in reverse may correct the card file. This fix may damage the switch or cause other difficulties that require another solution. 

Method 2: Check storage.

Before fixing other issues, some individuals neglect the microSD card’s storage space. Your card must have adequate space to store the data you intend to transport. Locate your microSD Card in “this PC” on your desktop to verify. Search the Storage Bar below to determine remaining space. 

Method 3: Format MicroSD card using formatting tool

Formatting a microSD card restores factory settings, fixes file system issues, and removes write protection software. Formatting erases all card data. After formatting, WinfrGUI can retrieve your data. For Windows microSD card formatting, follow these steps:

  • A card reader connects a microSD card to your computer.
  • Launch “This PC” on your desktop.
  • Look for microSD. Select “Formats” from right-click.
  • Choose exFAT for cards above 64 GB, FAT32 or NTFS for cards under 32 GB.
  • Click “Start” to format. 

WinfrGUI can restore data from formatted microSD cards. A reliable data recovery solution for memory cards, WinfrGUI supports several brands. It recovers data after deletion, formatting, card damage, malware assaults, and more. 

Download WinfrGUI Free

To use WinfrGUI for data recovery:

  • Download and install WinfrGUI on your PC
  • Connect a microSD card to your PC using a memory slot or an external card reader.
  • Open WinfrGUI and go to “Hard Drive and Location” and then select your microSD card.
  • The program scans the formatted microSD card and displays the received files.
  • Select and view the file you want to recover, then click “Recover”.

By following these steps, you can formatt your microSD card efficiently and recover important data using WinfrGUI.

Method 4: Use Diskpart to remove write protection.

Diskpart is a command line tool on Windows that allows you to manage partitions and disks as well as microSD cards. You can use it in the Command Prompt to remove writing protection. Here’s how:

  • Open the start menu, type “CMD” or “Command Prompt” and click the appropriate icon.
  • In the CMD window, type “diskpart” and press Enter.
  • Type “Drive List” and press Enter to see all the drives connected to your device.
  • Print “Select Disk” followed by the disk number for your microSD card and press Enter.
  • After diskpart, select your microSD card, type “Give read-only information” and press Enter.

Method 5: Use REGEDIT to remove write protection.

Windows users can also use the Windows Registry Editor to fix write protection issues on microSD cards. The Log Editor allows users to make changes as administrators by granting access to or configuring hardware configurations. Before using the Log Editor, please make a backup of your logs.

Here’s how to remove writing protection using REGEDIT:

  • Open the Start menu, type “Record” and select Edit Recorder.
  • In the Log Editor, click the following folder as follows: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Controls
  • Search and select the “Device Storage Policy” folder
  • Double click on the “WriteProtect” button in the right window and set to 0.
  • Disable log editing and restart your device

Method 6: Repair damaged MicroSD card with CHKDSK

If your microSD card is damaged, it may not allow any editing or deletion of data. Luckily you can use CHKDSK (CheckDisk). The tool used in Windows to fix damaged microSD cards and is protected from writing. CHKdSK scans internal and external drives, as well as micro SD cards for file system errors. Follow the following steps to repair your card using CHkdSK:

  • Open the command by opening the start menu, typing “CMD” and clicking the command icon.
  • Enter the word “chkdsk/f/r” along with the letter of the drive (e.g. “chKdsk h: / f/r”) and press Enter. This command calls for Command Prompt to start fixing the error.

Method 7: Use decryption software.

If your SD card is encrypted or locked, you can use encryption software to remove writing protection. This method is ideal for cards that have been encrypsed or blocked due to security measures.

Method 8: Remove virus or malware

Another way to get rid of writing protection is to scan your microSD card for viruses or malware. Malware often locks the card and prevents any changes by scanning the card with an antivirus. You can identify and eliminate potential threats. Simply plug your micro SD card into your laptop and use pre-installed virus software for scanning your device.

If you can’t remove the writing protection yet, how?

If none of the above methods work and you still have problems with writing protection. There is a possibility that the microSD card is damaged. It has reached reading/writing limits (which will enable auto-printing protection mode) or fails. Unfortunately, the card in this condition goes into permanent writing protection mode and can’t be fixed. In such a case, your best option is to back up data from microSD cards while you can still and replace them.

In some cases, a microSD card may be locked by specific devices. For example, when you set it as an internal storage device on an Android device. If so, you can format the card using a specific device to remove the writing protection. Do not forget to back up your files before formatting, as formatting will delete all data. Another way you can try formatting the card with a device that can format microSD cards such as a digital camera. This method may work even if your computer can’t formatt the card.

By following these comprehensive steps, you can solve the problem on “how to remove write protection on micro sd card” and have controlled the reading and writing of your card again.

>>Also Read: How to Restore Data from SD Card: A Step-by-Step Guide