How to remove write protection and ensure full write access on a microSD card (Windows)

If your microSD card appears to be read-only or doesn’t allow certain actions, the issue is most likely related to write protection—either hardware-based, system-level, or file-system-based. Below are step-by-step instructions to unlock the card and ensure full write access.

1. Check Physical Write Protection

If your microSD card is in a full-size SD adapter, check the physical lock switch on the side.

• Switch up = Write enabled

• Switch down = Write protected

Make sure the switch is in the up position.

2. Remove System-Level Write Protection Using DiskPart

This step will clear any software-level read-only attributes that Windows may have applied.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

   Start → type cmd → right-click → Run as administrator

2. In the command window:

diskpart

3. Then list your drives:

list disk

4. Identify your microSD card by size, then select it:

select disk X   ← (replace X with your card's disk number)

5. Clear write protection:

attributes disk clear readonly

6. Exit DiskPart:

exit

3. Format the microSD Card with the Correct File System

Most devices support FAT32 (up to 32GB) or exFAT (for larger cards). Some issues occur if the card is formatted in NTFS, which many devices do not recognize.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer → Right-click the card → Format.

2. Select:

   • File system: FAT32 (for <32GB), or exFAT (for >32GB)

   • Check Quick Format

3. Click Start.

4. (Optional) Set Full Permissions – Only Applies to NTFS

If you’re using NTFS and need to change user access permissions:

1. Right-click the SD card → Properties → Security tab.

2. Click Edit, select Users or Everyone.

3. Ensure the following permissions are checked:

   • Full Control

   • Modify

   • Write

4. Click Apply and then OK.

⚠️ Most SD cards use FAT32 or exFAT and do not support user-based permissions like NTFS does.

✅ Summary

• Make sure the physical write-lock is disabled.

• Use DiskPart to remove software-based write protection.

• Format using FAT32 or exFAT depending on the card’s capacity.

• Avoid NTFS unless you have a specific use case on Windows only.

This should resolve most access and write-related issues with microSD cards in Windows systems.