Ensuring the integrity and safety of your data is paramount, especially when sensitive information is at stake. One common measure to prevent unwanted changes or accidental deletions is to set a disk to read-only. But how does one set a disk to read-only mode? What if you need to safeguard a disk from unintentional formatting? As technology advances with the latest Windows 11, understanding these protective measures remains crucial across all Windows versions, including 10, 8, and 7. Fear not, for this RiseWindows article is here to enlighten you. We will guide you through the process of setting or removing a disk’s read-only mode on Windows 11/10/8/7 without the need for third-party software. Join us as we delve deep into the nuances of disk protection.
Why do you need to set a Disk as a Read-Only Mode?
Preserving the sanctity and security of your data is always a top priority. There may be times when you ask yourself, why exactly is there a need to set a disk to Read-Only mode? The answer lies in the importance of safeguarding essential files, particularly when sharing your PC, external hard drive, or USB flash drive with friends or colleagues. Once a disk or volume is set to read-only mode, the capabilities to delete or format it become restricted. This ensures that your data remains unaltered, reducing even the risk of potential virus attacks. The beauty of this mode is that while modifications are restricted, anyone can still access and read the files stored on the hard drive, USB drive, or partition without hindrance.
Dive into this RiseWindows article, and you will explore the following key areas:-
- How to Set a Disk to Read-Only or Write Protect on Windows 11/10/8/7?
- How to Remove Read-Only or Write Protect Mode from a Disk on Windows 11/10/8/7?
How to Set a Disk Read-Only or Write-Protect on Windows 11/10/8/7?
You need to follow the below-given steps to set a disk as read-only on Windows PC:-
Step 1. Now, open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
To open the command prompt with elevated or administrative rights, press Windows Logo + R keys together to open the “Run” dialog box. Then type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run the command prompt as an administrator.
Next, click the Yes button to continue if the User Account Control (UAC) dialog box appears.
Step 2. On the Command Prompt window that opens, type the following and press Enter from the keyboard to execute the command:-
diskpart
Step 3. Then, on the DISKPART prompt, type the below-mentioned command and press Enter from the keyboard to execute it. Executing the above command will list all the internal and external disks attached to your PC.
Step 4. Note down the disk number which you want to write-protection or read-only. Now, type the following command and press Enter from the keyboard to execute it:-
select disk disk-number
Note: In the above command, replace the “disk-number” with your disk number, which you want to make write protect or read-only. For instance, we will make write-protect or read-only to disk 1. Hence, my command will be “select disk 1.”
Step 5. Finally, type the following and press Enter from the keyboard to make it write protect or read-only:-
attributes disk set readonly
Step 6. You will see a message on the DISKPART, “Disk attributes set successfully.”
You or someone will not be able to delete or modify any file on that disk once you complete the abovementioned steps. Even you can not format them. You will get the error “The disk is write-protected.”
How to Remove Read-Only or Write Protect Mode from a Disk on Windows 11/10/8/7?
You need to follow the below-given steps to remove read-only or write-protection from a disk on Windows PC:-
Step 1. Now, open the Command Prompt as administrative privileges.
To open the command prompt with elevated or administrative rights, press Windows Logo + R keys together to open the “Run” dialog box. Then type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run the command prompt as an administrator.
Next, click on the Yes button to continue if User Account Control (UAC) dialog box appears.
Step 2. On the Command Prompt window that opens, type the following and press Enter from the keyboard to execute the command:-
diskpart
Step 3. Then, on the DISKPART prompt, type the below-mentioned command and press Enter from the keyboard to execute it:-
list disk
Executing the above command will list all the internal and external disks attached to your PC.
Step 4. Note down the disk number which you want to write-protection or read-only. Now, type the following command and press Enter from the keyboard to execute it:-
select disk disk-number
Note: In the above command, replace the “disk-number” with your disk number, which you want to make write protect or read-only. For instance, we will remove write-protection or read-only to Disk 1. Hence, my command will be “select disk 1.”
Step 5. Finally, type the following and press Enter from the keyboard to remove it from write-protection or read-only:-
attributes disk clear readonly
Step 6. You will see a message on the DISKPART, “Disk attributes cleared successfully.”
When you complete the steps mentioned above, the read-only or write-protection mode will remove from the selected external hard disk drive or USB flash drive. Now you can edit or format the external disk if you need.
Conclusion
Ensuring the safety of data is of utmost significance, and setting a disk to read-only is a critical protective measure. This article guided you through the process for both setting and removing a disk’s read-only mode on various Windows versions. By making a disk read-only, you not only safeguard the content from unintended changes but also protect against potential threats. Follow the detailed steps above to master this crucial skill on your Windows machine.
