Encountering an error message like ‘The disk is write-protected’ when formatting your SD card? Wondering how to remove write protection from SD card and format it? Dealing with a write-protected SD card can be a real headache, especially for those with limited computer skills. However, there’s no need to worry!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share five simple yet effective ways to format a write-protected SD card. Plus, you’ll learn how to easily recover lost files from an inaccessible SD card. So, let’s get started!
Part 1: Prepartion Before Formatting a Write Protect SD Card
How to format an SD card that is write protected? In fact, we usually divide this task into two steps. First, try various methods to remove write protection from SD card. Once successful, use Windows’ built-in tool like Command Prompt to format your SD card. In addition, you also need to complete some important preparations.
1.1
Run a Virus Scan
Before formatting a write protect SD card, we strongly recommend running a virus scan on it. Yes, you heard it right. On some occasions, viruses and malware can be the culprits behind SD card write protection. By activating write protection, they prevent users or antivirus programs from deleting or modifying the infected files. Therefore, open your antivirus software and initiate a full system scan.
1.2 Recover Data from Formatted SD Card
When it comes to formatting, data loss is always inevitable. If you find your SD card damaged or simply regret formatting it, consider using a powerful data recovery software. Although there are various recovery tools available in the market, Tenorshare 4DDiG stands out for its high success rate and simplicity. Whether your important files are lost due to formatting or accidental deletion, you are able to use 4DDiG to retrieve them with just a few clicks. The best part of this tool is its user-friendly design, making it particularly suitable for computer novices.
Given below is a guide on how to recover formatted/deleted data from SD card using 4DDiG:
Step 1: Connect your SD card and launch the 4DDiG Data Recovery tool. Then, select the SD card from the main interface to scan.
Step 2: This program will automatically categorize scanned files based on their file types. Alternatively, you can switch to the tree view to quickly locate the files you want to recover.
Step 3: Before recovery, 4DDiG allows you to preview the selected files for free. Finally, click on the “Recover” button and choose a secure location to save them.
Part 2: How to Remove Write Protection from SD Card?
There are various advanced steps and methods that users can follow to remove SD card write protection. Let’s have a look:
2.1 Turn Off the Physical Write Protection Switch
Nowadays, most SD cards have a physical switch on the side that allows you to lock or unlock the card. This tiny slider is designed to prevent accidental deletion or modification of data on the card. If you intend to format a write-protected SD card, make sure to ensure that the switch is in the unlocked position before proceeding with any operations. Otherwise, any effort will be in vain.
2.2 Remove SD Card Write Protection by Diskpart
Another simple way to remove write protection from SD card is by using a native disk management tool, Diskpart. If you’re comfortable with a command-line interface, give it a try. To do so, follow these steps:
Step 1: Connect the locked SD card to your computer. Press the “Win + X” keys on your keyboard and select “Command Prompt (Admin).”
Step 2: Type the “diskpart” command and press Enter to run it.
Step 3: Keep typing “list disk” and hit Enter.
Step 4: Input “select disk #” (replace # with the number corresponding to your SD card) and press Enter.
Step 5: Execute the command “attributes disk clear readonly” to remove write protection from SD card
2.3 Run Registry Editor to Remove Write Protection
We don’t recommend using the registry editor to remove SD card write protection unless you are a tech guru. Improper operation could potentially lead to system crashes or even failure to boot. Follow the following steps carefully and consider seeking professional help if you are unsure:
Step 1: Begin by opening the Run dialog box using “Win + R.” Enter “regedit” and click on “OK” to proceed.
Step 2: Navigate to this following path: ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlStorageDevicePolicies
Note: If the StorageDevicePolicies key doesn’t exist, you need to create it. Right-click on “Control,” select “New,” and then choose “Key.” Name the new key “StorageDevicePolicies.”
Step 3: Inside the StorageDevicePolicies key, right-click in the right-hand pane and choose “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value.” Then, name the new value “WriteProtect.”
Step 4: Double-click on the WriteProtect value and set its data to 0.
2.4 Try Using Third-party Tools
If you’ve tried the above methods to remove the write protection from SD card and they haven’t worked, you can consider using third-party tools to attempt to resolve the issue. Below are some popular options, including both free and paid ones:
- SD Memory Card Formatter
- EaseUS Partition Master
- MiniTool Partition Wizard
- Rufus
- ChipGenius
Part 3: How to Format a Write Protected SD Card
After removing the write protection from your SD card, you can format it in three different ways. Here are they:
3.1 Use File Explorer to Format SD Card
Many users tend to prefer formatting a write protected SD card through File Explorer because this process is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Insert your SD card into the card reader on your computer.
Step 2: Open the File Explorer by clicking on its icon in the taskbar. Then, find the SD card listed under “Computer” in the left sidebar.
Step 3: Right-click on it and opt for “Format” from the menu.
Step 4: Choose the file system (FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS), allocation unit size, and provide a volume label if desired. Finally, click “Start” to begin the formatting process.
3.2 Use Disk Management to Format SD Card
Formatting a write protected SD card can be necessary for various reasons, such as resolving file system issues or clearing the card of any corrupted data. You can easily perform this task by disk management. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Press Win + X on your keyboard and select “Disk Management.”
Step 2: Find your SD card, right-click on it and choose “Format.”
Step 3: Select the appropriate file system, check the box net to “Perform a quick format” and click on the “OK” button.
3.3 Run Diskpart to Format SD Card
Apart from removing write protection, Diskpart can also be used for other operations like formatting. The steps on how to format a write protected SD card by Diskpart are as follows:
Step 1: Open the diskpart tool as described above.
Step 2: Type “list disk” and identify your SD card’s disk number.
Step 3: Now, type “select disk 0” (replace 0 with your SD card’s disk number). You need to press the Enter key after each command is entered.
Step 4: Type “clean” to remove all partitions from the SD card.
Step 5: Enter the command “create partition primary” to proceed.
Step 6: Finally, type “format fs=FAT32 quick” (replace FAT32 with exFAT or NTFS if needed).
Now, you have learned how to format a write protected SD card.
Final Words
This article explains how to remove write protection from SD card and format it. Generally, after removing write protection from your SD card, it is ready for use. If you need to format a write-protected SD card, we strongly recommend backing up important files in advance. In case your backup is lost, there’s no need to worry. Tenorshare 4DDiG can recover data from formatted SD cards in an eye of blink.
How to Format a Write Protected SD Card Effortlessly [2024] first appeared on Web and IT News.
