Windows cannot run disk check write protected​

The issue of being unable to run a disk check due to the “write protected” error in Windows is a common problem that many users encounter. 

Write protection is a feature that prevents modifications to a disk or storage device. When a disk is write-protected, it cannot be written to or modified in any way. This feature is often used for data integrity, security, and to prevent accidental deletion of important files. However, it can also cause complications, such as the inability to run a disk check or other system maintenance tasks.

Reasons Behind Write Protection

There are several reasons why a disk might become write-protected:

Physical Write Protection Switch: Some storage devices, such as SD cards, USB drives, and external hard drives, have a physical write protection switch. This switch may be toggled accidentally, preventing any changes to the disk.

Corrupted System Files: In some cases, write protection can be triggered by corrupt or missing system files. Windows may impose a write protection to safeguard the drive from further corruption.

Registry Settings: Windows can also enforce write protection through the system registry. If there are erroneous or deliberate changes to the registry, write protection may be enabled.

Group Policy: On some versions of Windows, the Group Policy settings can be modified to prevent writing to external devices. This is commonly seen in corporate environments where administrators want to prevent unauthorized writing to external storage.

Malware or Virus: In some cases, malware or a virus can cause write protection as a way to prevent the user from removing the infection.

How to Identify the Problem

Before proceeding with troubleshooting, it’s essential to verify that the disk is indeed write-protected and not suffering from other issues like hardware failure.

Check for Physical Write Protection Switch: If you’re working with a USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive, check for a physical switch on the device. This switch usually has two positions: one for write protection and the other for read/write access. If it’s in the “locked” position, slide it to the “unlocked” position.

Use Windows Disk Management: You can check the disk status by opening the Disk Management tool in Windows.

Press Windows + X and select Disk Management.

Locate the disk in question and check if it’s showing as “Read-only.”

If the disk is listed as “Read-only,” then write protection is likely enabled.

Check the Error Message: When attempting to run a disk check or make changes to the disk, pay attention to the exact error message. If you see “Write Protected,” it confirms that the drive is locked from writing or making changes.

Solutions to Fix the Write Protection Error

1. Disable Write Protection Using Command Prompt

One of the most common methods for removing write protection is through the Command Prompt using the diskpart tool.

Here’s how to do it:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).

Enter Diskpart:

Type diskpart and press Enter.

List Disks:

Type list disk and press Enter. This will display a list of all connected disks.

Select the Problematic Disk:

Find the disk that is write-protected in the list (based on the size) and type select disk X (where X is the number corresponding to the disk). Press Enter.

Remove Write Protection:

Type attributes disk clear readonly and press Enter.

Exit Diskpart:

Type exit to close the diskpart tool and then close the Command Prompt.

After following these steps, the write protection should be removed, and you should be able to run a disk check.

2. Check the Registry for Write Protection Settings

Windows allows the write protection setting to be modified through the registry. If the write protection is being enforced via the registry, you can disable it by following these steps:

Open the Registry Editor:

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

Navigate to the Key:

In the Registry Editor, navigate to:

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HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control

Look for a key named StorageDevicePolicies. If it doesn’t exist, right-click on Control and select New > Key. Name it StorageDevicePolicies.

Modify Write Protection:

Inside the StorageDevicePolicies key, look for a value named WriteProtect. If it’s set to 1. it means write protection is enabled.

Double-click on WriteProtect and change the value to 0 to disable write protection.

Restart Your Computer:

After making the changes, close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

3. Use Group Policy Editor to Disable Write Protection

For users with Windows Pro or Enterprise editions, the Group Policy Editor can be used to disable write protection on external storage devices.

Open the Group Policy Editor:

Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

Navigate to the Right Policy:

Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Removable Storage Access.

Disable Write Protection:

Find the policy named “Deny write access to removable drives” and set it to “Not Configured” or “Disabled.”

Apply Changes:

Click OK and exit the Group Policy Editor.

After this, try to run the disk check again.

4. Check for Malware or Virus

Malware or viruses can sometimes cause write protection to prevent removal. Run a full antivirus scan to ensure your system is clean.

Use Windows Defender:

Open Windows Security and run a full scan.

Use Third-Party Antivirus Software:

If you suspect your system may be infected, consider using third-party antivirus software like Malwarebytes to perform a more thorough scan.

5. Check for Disk Errors Using Chkdsk

If the write protection issue is not caused by any external factors such as malware or registry settings, it could be due to a disk error. Here’s how to use chkdsk to check for disk errors:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Run Chkdsk:

Type chkdsk X: /f (replace X with the letter of your drive) and press Enter.

Let Chkdsk Complete:

Allow the tool to run and fix any errors on the disk.

6. Check the Disk on Another Computer

If none of the above solutions work, it could be helpful to check the disk on another computer. Sometimes, write protection may be specific to the computer or the operating system installation, and testing the disk on a different system might resolve the issue.

7. Use Third-Party Tools

If all else fails, there are third-party disk management tools that can help remove write protection from your storage device. Some popular tools include:

EaseUS Partition Master: This tool allows you to modify partition properties, including write protection.

MiniTool Partition Wizard: Another great tool that can help manage disks and fix write protection issues.