Ensuring that your data remains secure and untouched is a priority for many Windows users. Whether you want to prevent accidental deletions or restrict data modifications, setting a volume to read-only is an effective solution. Ever wondered, “How to set a volume read-only?” or “How can I prevent a volume from accidentally formatting?” This RiseWindows article will answer all these questions. Dive in as we guide you through the process of setting or removing a volume’s read-only mode on Windows 11/10/8/7, all without the need for third-party software.
Why do you need to set a Volume as Read-Only Mode?
Protecting valuable data is crucial, especially in an environment where multiple users access a single computer or storage device. Why do you need to set a Volume as Read-Only Mode? The answer is simple. When you store essential data, especially on shared PCs, external hard drives, or USB flash drives, it’s wise to make the volume or drive read-only. By doing so, neither you nor anyone else will be able to delete or format the data. Setting a volume to read-only mode offers an additional layer of security: even if malware or a virus infiltrates your system, it won’t be able to modify files on a read-only drive. It’s a safeguard that allows anyone to open and read the files without the risk of unwanted alterations or deletions.
In this RiseWindows article, we’ll be delving into:-
- How to Set a Volume Read-Only or Write Protect in Windows 11/10/8/7?
- How to Remove Read-Only or Write Protect Mode from a Volume in Windows 11/10/8/7?
How to Set a Volume Read-Only or Write-Protect in Windows 11/10/8/7?
You need to follow the below-given steps to set a volume 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 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 volume
Executing the above command will list all the internal and external volumes attached to your PC.
Step 4. Note down the volume 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 volume volume-number
Note: In the above command, replace the “volume-number” with your volume number, which you want to make write-protect or read-only. For instance, we will make write-protect or read-only to Volume 2. Hence, my command will be “select volume 2.”
Step 5. Finally, type the following and press Enter from the keyboard to make it write protect or read-only:-
attributes volume set readonly
Step 6. You will see a message on the DISKPART, “Volume attributes set successfully.”
You or someone will not be able to delete or modify any file on that volume 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 Volume on Windows 11/10/8/7?
You need to follow the below-given steps to remove read-only or write-protection from a volume on Windows PC:-
Step 1. 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 volume
Executing the above command will list all the internal and external volumes attached to your PC.
Note: You can not protect external volumes using these commands. However, it is possible to remove read-only or write-protection using the disk command.
Step 4. Note down the volume 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 volume volume-number
Note: In the above command, replace the “volume-number” with your volume number, which you want to make write-protect or read-only. For instance, we will remove write-protection or read-only to Volume 2. Hence, my command will be “select volume 2.”
Step 5. Finally, type the following and press Enter from the keyboard to remove it from write-protection or read-only:-
attributes volume clear readonly
The read-only or write-protection mode is removed from the selected volume when you complete the abovementioned steps. Now you can edit or format the volume if you need.
Conclusion
Setting or removing the read-only mode for volumes in Windows 11/10/8/7 can be essential for multiple reasons. Whether it’s to safeguard essential data from unwanted changes or to allow modifications after a period of protection, understanding these steps is crucial. By following the procedures outlined above, users can efficiently control the write access to their volumes, ensuring data security and flexibility based on their needs. This RiseWindows guide provides a comprehensive insight into managing volume access, helping users make the most of their Windows operating systems.
