How to disable Write-Protected of USB hard drive that is bit locker encrypted?

Question

4TB External hard drive encrypted with bit locker in Windows 11 is Write-Protected. Can not add or delete data. Same hard drive on Windows 10 can modify data. Turning bit locker on and off is not an option due to the large size of the drive.

Answer 1

A quick search provides some options:

• EaseUS (https://www.easeus.com/storage-media-recovery/remove-write-protection-in-windows-10-8-7.html)
• SalvageData (https://www.salvagedata.com/how-to-remove-write-protection-from-usb-drive-and-sd-card/)
• Q&A Forums (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/552544/one-of-my-harddrive-volumes-is-write-protected-out)

The common theme is a toggle on the drive itself, DiskPart if that doesn't work and decrypt/encrypt as a last resort.

Answer 2

Hello, Here are some steps you can take to try and disable the write-protection on your USB hard drive:

1. Check the physical write-protection switch on the USB hard drive. Some external hard drives have a physical switch that can be used to enable or disable write-protection. Make sure that this switch is in the correct position.
2. Check the file system of the USB hard drive. If the file system is set to read-only, you will not be able to modify the data on the drive. To check the file system, right-click on the USB hard drive in Windows Explorer and select "Properties". Click on the "Tools" tab and then click on "Check" under the "Error checking" section. This will scan the drive for errors and fix any issues with the file system.
3. Check the permissions on the USB hard drive. If the permissions are set to read-only, you will not be able to modify the data on the drive. To check the permissions, right-click on the USB hard drive in Windows Explorer and select "Properties". Click on the "Security" tab and then click on "Edit". Make sure that your user account has full control over the drive.

Best Regards, Hania Lian

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