Bitlocker-protected USB drive becomes read-only

xixe 195 Reputation points
2023-12-25T17:43:18.6+00:00

Hello,

I have enabled a group policy in Windows 11 to deny write access to USB drives unless encrypted with Bitlocker. However, after successfully encrypting an unencrypted USB drive, the drive remains read-only. Even though entering the Bitlocker password successfully unlocks the drive, I get an alert that says the drive is write-protected.

Can anyone help me with this issue?

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Other
Microsoft System Center | Other
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  1. Thameur-BOURBITA 36,261 Reputation points Moderator
    2023-12-25T20:58:27.1166667+00:00

    Hi @xixe

    Try to use Method 2 Diskpart command as mentionned in the following links :
    How to Fix The Disk Is Write Protected in Windows 11/10/8/7:

    Method 2. Remove Write Protection from USB via Diskpart Command

    This option clears the read-only attribute of your drive to make it writable. This works for your internal drives, external drives, USB drives, and even SD cards.

    Let's find out how you can use the Diskpart command to fix the issue:

    Step 1. Press Windows + R keys and type cmd in the box that opens. This will launch Command Prompt.

    Step 2. Type diskpart in the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

    Step 3. Type list disk and press Enter to view the available disks.

    Step 4. Type select disk 2 and hit Enter. Replace 0 with the write-protected device number.

    Step 5. Type attributes disk clear readonly and hit Enter.

    Step 6. Once you finish writing protection removal, type exit to quit Diskpart.


    Please don't forget to accept helpful answer

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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  1. WAEL MOHAMED IBRAHIM 0 Reputation points
    2025-06-03T09:23:06.0066667+00:00

    I need help with USB port in Microsoft windows 10 Pro 22H2 All my flash and My Portable Disk (when I try to Copy, Delete, Format) I Have Error Message (Disk Write Protect) I see My Files, and when I log Into Disk Managment I see in USB Drive Disk (Disk Drive No. Read Only) Can Anyone Help Me Because I don' To Change My Operating System

    -I'm sure this Error from my USB port not from Flash Drive because this flash disk is running well in another PC and I see More solution in internet and web site and try to repair registry file Editor I try All Way CMD-Disk Part Soultion, Registry Editor. Format Tool - But they all Way fail

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