Just like in most of the spy movies of Hollywood, it is straightforward to connect a USB device to the computer and copy files to it for use otherwise. But sometimes, it becomes essential to protect the files. Windows offers you an option by which you can enable write protection on your USB device with the help of your Windows 11/10 device. The write protection aids in adding an extra layer of defense to the system, making it challenging to write files off to USB devices or upload the same on the internet. If someone is planning to tamper with the files on your USB device, this Write Protection option will help you prevent such acts.
How to Enable or Disable Write Protection for USB Devices on Windows 11/10
In this post, we will share how you can both enable and disable methods. If you are new at allowing the Write Protection on your Windows 11/10 device, follow the step-by-step guidelines and methods:
- Using Command Prompt and Diskpart tool
- Changing Registry Value
You will need admin permission to execute these suggestions. Also, back up the registry to create a System restore point. It will be helpful if something goes wrong.
1] Using Command Prompt and Diskpart tool
- Right-click on the Windows Start button, and select Windows Terminal or Command with admin privileges.
- Type diskpart in the command prompt window and press the Enter key.
- Next, you need to type listdisk and press Enter. It will display the number for the USB device you have attached to your Windows 11/10 device.
- You need to note down the number attached to the disk you are trying to enable the protection.
- Now you need to type Select Disk # on the command prompt window. # would be the number of the disk you copied from the previous line of commands showing and which you have duly noted down.
- Now comes the main job. You need to write
attributes disk set readonlyon the command prompt window and then press Enter. It will enable the necessary setting to protect the USB device on your Windows 11/10 device. - To disable Write protection, use the command
attributes volume clear readonly
2] Changing Registry Value
- Open the run prompt using the Windows Key + R
- Type regedit and press Enter. It will open the Registry Editor.
- Next, right-click on the Control key, whereby you’ll get the option of the New Key.
- You can rename this new subkey as per your choice. Right-click on the new subkey and select the New DWORD value option that will be available.
- Change the DWORD value to 1 from 0 and click OK to enable the same.
- It will help you to enable USB protection.
To disable, switch back to 0.
Conclusion
Both methods will help you enable or disable write protection for the USB device on your Windows 11/10 device. It is simple and super easy to use. We hope you now have a better defense system for your files, so they aren’t dealt with incorrectly.
