7 Ways to Fix Device Media is Write Protected in Windows

Users have reported to receive an error when trying to transfer files over their drive. That is the,

'' The device media is write protected ''

Write protection is a feature in windows computers which prevents users from writing data accidentally on a storage drive. So basically this feature prevents you from making changes on the drive. Under this conditions, users are only allowed to view the files.

Users often get confused since this error occurs all of a sudden for devices without errors. Al though this error is most common for external drives, it can also happen to internal devices as well. This feature can be enabled for various reasons. Either could be enabled intentionally for safety purposes or due to malware and other encryption methods. Whatever it is, write protection error can be fixed with few easy steps.

In this article, I will be discussing about the 7 Ways to Fix Device Media is Write Protected in Windows. The methods discussed here should work with all the storage drive including External hard drives, USB drives and SD cards.

Let's get started,

1. Perform SFC Scan

Completed system files can also lead to device media is write protected error System File Checker (SFC) is a tool available to fix corrupt system files. Files that is corrupt or changed will essentially be replaced with a new version.

To perform SFC scan,

Press '' Windows + R ''
Type '' cmd '' Right click on it and Select Run as Administrator
Type the command and Press Enter

'' SFC/Scannow ''

2. Update Windows

The device media is write protected can be as a result of bugs and glitches. Especially if the updates are uninstalled. To fix this you need to update windows to the latest version. Along with this most of the errors that is related to the PC built is also fixed.

3. Run Malware Scan

Another efficient way to fix this error is by running a malware scan. Some malware are known to automatically enable this feature. Performing a full system scan essentially identifies all the malwares on your system. Most Antivirus softwares comes with the configurations to scan newly connected devices.

If you have not installed a third party anti malware solution, you can even use built in windows defender anti virus. Besides that, you must manually scan each device you connect to your PC.

4. Disable Switch

Most of the storage devices comes with the write protection switch which allow you to toggle write protection feature. From this switch, you can turn on or off this feature. So if this switch is turned on that means the device is in read only state. Thus, you will not be allowed to make changes to the drive.

Now this switch could be located different depending on the storage drive. Identify this switch and make sure it is turned off.

5. Remove Read Only State

Sometimes a single file can be the reason for this error. If the existing file is set to read only, you will have trouble making changes to the file. For this, find the file and change the current state of read only mode.

To remove read only mode,

Press '' Windows + R ''
Type '' cmd '' and Press Ok
Type '' diskpart ''
Enter the following commands,

list disk

select disk x (x refers to the respective drive)

attribute disk

6. Delete Temporary Files

The PC frequently gets accumulated with junk files as you browse the internet. The junk files stored on your PC can be the reason why you are getting the device is write protected error. So cleaning temporary files can be one way to fix this error.

Some third party utilities like Disk Cleanup is built exclusive for removing junk files. Use this tool to clean up the selected drive.

7. Disable BitLocker

BitLocker is an encryption feature which protects your files on the hard drive. In some instances, if this BitLocker feature is enabled the windows explorer will display the error the media is write protected. This is taken as a measure to encrypt the files and protect them. Only if you remove this feature you will be allowed to make changes to the drive.

To disable BitLocker,