Learn how to fix CHKDSK Write Protected Error in Windows. Our Windows Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.
How to Fix CHKDSK Write Protected Error in Windows
Having trouble with the following error message?
Luckily for you, our Experts are here to help. Generally, write-protected status means the drive is in read-only mode. In other words, we can view files without adding new ones or modifying existing data. By understanding the causes behind this error, we will be able to resolve it quickly.
An Overview:
- Possible Causes of CHKDSK Write Protected Error
- Quick Fixes to Remove Write Protection for CHKDSK
- 1. Fix CHKDSK Write Protected Disk Using CMD
- 2. Remove Write Protection Using Diskpart
- 3. Modify the Write Protection Key in Registry Editor
- 4. Remove Write Protection by Formatting the Drive
- Conclusion
Possible Causes of CHKDSK Write Protected Error
- Some hard drives or disk enclosures come with a physical write protection switch from the manufacturer. If present, switch it to the “Off” position.
- A virus infection or unknown errors can damage the file system, making the drive inaccessible and read-only.
- The drive might have been set as read-only, preventing modifications.
Once we identify the reason behind the write-protected status, we can take steps to remove it and successfully run CHKDSK.
Quick Fixes to Remove Write Protection for CHKDSK
1. Fix CHKDSK Write Protected Disk Using CMD
- First, open the Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Then, enter the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk F: /f /r x
We can replace "F" with the actual drive letter.
If this does not work, proceed to the next method.
2. Remove Write Protection Using Diskpart
For drives set as read-only, Diskpart can clear the write protection attribute:
- To begin with, open the Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Then, type `diskpart` and hit Enter.
- In Diskpart, type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
list volume
select volume n # Replace 'n' with the volume number of the write-protected drive
attributes disk clear readonly
exit
- Once done, run `CHKDSK F: /f` to check if the issue is resolved.
3. Modify the Write Protection Key in Registry Editor
- Press `Win + R`, type `regedit`, and hit Enter.
- Then, go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies
- Next, locate the `WriteProtected` key, right-click it, and select Modify.
- Change its value from `1` to `0`.
- If the `StorageDevicePolicies` folder does not exist, create it by right-clicking the `Control` folder, select `New > Key`, and naming it `StorageDevicePolicies`.
Then, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named `WriteProtected` and set it to `0` in this key.
4. Remove Write Protection by Formatting the Drive
We may have to format the drive if the file system is severely damaged. However, standard Windows tools like Disk Management or Diskpart may lead to a “Format write protected” error.
Our Experts recommend AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard, a free partition management tool to bypass this. It will format the write-protected drive effectively. This tool supports internal and external hard drives, USB flash drives, and SD cards.
[Need assistance with a different issue? Our team is available 24/7.]
Conclusion
Running into the CHKDSK write-protected error can be frustrating, but with the right approach, it can be fixed. Try the solutions above, starting with simple command-line fixes and registry modifications before resorting to formatting. Tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant can be the solution if all else fails.
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