Learn how to change the attributes of a read-only hard drive in Windows. Follow our step-by-step guide to regain control and access your files effortlessly.
What is the read-only attribute?
The read-only attribute is a feature that Windows assigns to files and drives. There are also read-only ROMs for writing binary information and other hardware components with this attribute. Therefore, when a drive is “Read Only” it means that it can be opened and read but cannot be modified, deleted or renamed.
What is the Diskpart command?
Diskpart is a utility that we can run in Windows for disk management . Diskpart works as an advanced management tool and consists of a series of commands that allow you to list disks, partitions, and volumes.
All functions that Diskpart executes require a command prompt . Therefore, this command cannot be used from the conventional Windows interface. However, Apple users can also change the permissions of a hard drive on a Mac using the options offered by the same MacOS system.
How to change the attributes of a read-only hard drive in Windows.
To change the attributes of a read-only hard drive in Windows, you can follow these steps presented in a tabular format:
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Command Prompt | Press Windows Key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) to run it with administrative privileges. |
| 2 | Identify the Drive | Use the command diskpart to start the DiskPart utility. Then, list all the disks using list disk. Identify your read-only hard drive by its size or number. |
| 3 | Select the Drive | Select the read-only hard drive using select disk X, where X is the number of your drive. |
| 4 | Check Attributes | Check the attributes of the disk by typing attributes disk. This will show if the disk is read-only. |
| 5 | Clear Read-Only Attribute | If the disk is read-only, clear the attribute by typing attributes disk clear readonly. This should change the status of the drive from read-only to read-write. |
| 6 | Exit DiskPart | Type exit to close the DiskPart utility. |
| 7 | Restart the Computer | Restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect. |
Note: Be cautious when using DiskPart as it is a powerful tool that can change the settings of your hard disks. Make sure you select the correct disk before modifying its attributes. If you’re not confident in doing this, it might be wise to seek assistance from someone who is more experienced with disk management.
If you want to change the attributes of a read-only hard disk, it is essential that you execute a series of steps focused on modifying the properties of the disk through the Windows system interface or through the use of the command console for this. OS.
Make sure you are logged in as “Administrator” user
First, you need to log into your PC using an administrator account . In this way, you will be able to access the permissions and modify the attributes of the hard disk without any obstacle or limitation.
Enter the properties of the hard drive
One way to change the attributes of a read-only hard disk is to access the properties of this component . To do this, go to “This computer” and locate the local hard drive on which you want to modify its attributes.
Change hard drive attributes from read-only
Press the right mouse button and click “Properties.” You will see a new window that is identified as “Local disk properties . ” There, you must locate and click on the “Security” tab located at the top.
Press the “Edit” button and, in the new editing window, uncheck the “Reading” box. Then click “Apply” and “OK.” In this way, you will be able to change the attributes of the hard disk from Windows as an administrator user.
Enter the Windows command console
Do you know what it is, what it is for and how to use the CMD prompt? If so, then take advantage of this alternative to change the attributes of a read-only hard drive in Windows. First, access the command console, type “cmd” without quotes in the search box (the magnifying glass icon) that you will find on the taskbar.
Then, right-click on “Command Prompt” and click “Run as administrator.” Consequently, a new window will open corresponding to the Windows system command console.
Use command console to change hard drive attributes read-only in Windows
It is time to use the commands to modify the attributes of your hard disk . To do this, type diskpart and hit the “Enter” key. Wait a second while you access the tool.
Then type list disk and hit “Enter.” With this command you can see the list of disks on your PC. Each of them is identified as “Disk #” or “Disk #” . Select disk 0 using the command “select disk 0” (without the quotes). You will see the message “disk 0 is now the selected disk”.
Check and modify attributes from cmd
Type the command “attributes disk” and hit the “Enter” key. With this statement you can verify the attributes of the hard disk . Then type “attributes disk clear readonly” and press “Enter.” The system will show you the message “Disk attributes cleared successfully.”Finally, type “Exit” and press the “Enter” key in order to exit and close the Windows system command console.
Having a read-only hard drive can be frustrating, especially when you need to make modifications or access important files. Fortunately, with the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can easily change the attributes of your read-only hard drive in Windows. Remember to troubleshoot any issues that may arise and enjoy full control over your storage device once again.
