Best 6 Workable Methods to Fix Can't Delete Files from SD Card Issue

Are your files cannot be deleted from SD card? Many users find this issue frustrating, especially when you need to free up space. This guide explains why it happens and provides 6 easy solutions to fix it. Keep on reading.

Part 1. Why Files In SD Card Cannot Be Deleted?

If you’re unable to delete files from your SD card, several factors could be causing the issue:

• Write Protection (Read-Only Mode): Some SD cards have a physical lock switch or software-based protection that prevents file deletion or modification. Disable this feature before you delete files.
• File in Use: If a file is open in an app or system process, it cannot be deleted. Close any related apps before trying again.
• Poor Connection: A loose or faulty connection between the SD card and its slot or adapter can prevent file operations. Ensure the card is properly inserted.
• File System Errors or Corruption: A damaged SD card may set files to read-only, blocking deletion. Running a repair tool on your computer can help fix this.
• SD Card Encryption: Encrypted SD cards restrict file access. If your card is encrypted, you may need to decrypt it before deleting files.
• File Permissions: Some files may have restricted access, preventing deletion. Check file properties and adjust permissions if needed.
• Improper Mounting: If the SD card is not mounted correctly on your device, it may cause errors. Try reinserting or removing the card.
• App or System Conflicts: A background process may be using the file, stopping you from deleting it. Restart your device and try again.
• Limited Storage Space: In some cases, low storage space can interfere with file deletion. Free up space if needed.
• Physical Damage: A damaged SD card, such as one with bad sectors or a broken controller, may prevent file deletion. In such cases, card repair or replacement is necessary.

Part 2. 6 Fixes for "Cannot Delete File from SD Card" Error

Dealing with this issue can be frustrating. But before trying anything else, ensure that your file is open and the SD card is properly connected. If the issue persists, try the quick and simple solutions below to help you delete files from your SD card.

Fix #1: Check and Unlock the Write-Protect Tab

One of the most common reasons you can’t delete files from an SD card is that it’s write-protected. Many SD cards and adapters have a small switch on the side that locks the card, preventing any changes to its contents. If this switch is enabled, you won’t be able to delete, move, or modify files.

Before trying other fixes, check if your SD card is locked. A simple adjustment to the write-protect tab may be all you need to regain access. Follow the directions below to unlock your SD card and remove the write protection.

Step 1: Remove the SD card and take it out of your computer.

Step 2: Check the lock switch. If it's in the "locked" position, the card is write-protected.

Step 3: Move it to the "unlock" position by sliding the switch up. Then, reinsert the card and try deleting files.

Note: If your SD card has no switch, check the adapter. Moreover, if the switch is loose and keeps locking, the card may be damaged and need replacement.

Fix #2: Use CMD to Remove Read-Only Attributes

If your SD card is steadily stuck in read-only mode, it won’t allow you to delete or modify files. This can happen due to system errors, write protection settings, or file permission issues. Fortunately, you can use the Command Prompt (CMD) to remove the read-only attributes and regain full access to your SD card.

By running a few simple commands, you can check the SD card’s status and disable write protection. See the below steps to fix the issue and delete files from your SD card.

Step 1: Launch the Command Prompt tool as an administrator.

Step 2: Type the appropriate commands one by one and press Enter after each:

• diskpart
• list disk
• select disk n (Replace n with your SD card’s disk number.)
• attributes disk clear readonly

Step 3: Once you see "Disk attributes cleared successfully," close the window and try deleting the files again.

Fix #3: Change Value Data in Registry Editor

If your SD card is still write-protected and won’t let you delete files, adjusting the settings in the Registry Editor may help. Windows sometimes enables write protection through system policies, which can prevent file modifications. By changing the value data in the registry, you can disable this restriction and regain control over your SD card files.

Since the Registry Editor directly impacts your system settings, follow the steps carefully to avoid unintended changes.

Step 1: Press Win + R, enter regedit to launch the Registry Editor.

Step 2: Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control

Step 3: Click StorageDevicePolicies, then double-click WriteProtect on the right panel.

Step 4: Change the Value data to 0 and save.

Step 5: Shut the Registry Editor window and reboot your computer.

Step 6: Now, try deleting files from your SD card again.

Fix #4: Run CHKDSK to Check and Fix SD Card Errors

If your external SD card has file system errors or corruption, it may prevent you from deleting files. Running CHKDSK (Check Disk) can scan and fix these issues, restoring normal functionality. This built-in Windows tool detects bad sectors, repairs file system errors, and improves overall SD card performance.

Run this tool and fix your SD card through the following steps:

Step 1: Hit Windows + R, type cmd, and click Enter.

Step 2: Enter chkdsk e: /f and press Enter.

Step 3: If you see a "volume is dirty" error, run chkdsk e: /f /r /x to fix it. Replace "e" with your SD card's drive letter.

Step 4: Close the window and try deleting your files again.

Fix #5: Disable Write Protection Using Group Policy Editor

If you still can’t delete files from your SD card, the issue may be due to write protection settings enforced by Windows. The Group Policy Editor allows you to modify system policies that may be preventing file deletion. By disabling write protection through this tool, you can regain full access to your SD card and remove unwanted files.

This method is beneficial for Windows users dealing with system-level restrictions. Check and disable write protection using the Group Policy Editor using these steps:

Step 1: Type gpedit.msc in the search box and press Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to Computer Configuration.

Step 3: Find Administrative Templates and click System.

Step 4: Click Removable Storage Access.

Step 5: Disable the following options:

• Removable Disks: Deny execute access
• Removable Disks: Deny read access
• Removable Disks: Deny write access

Step 6: Click Disabled to apply the policy.

Step 7: After making these changes, try deleting your files again.

Fix #6: Format the SD Card

If none of the previous methods work, formatting the SD card may be the best solution. This process erases all data, including corrupted files and errors, preventing file deletion.

Before proceeding, make sure to back up any important files. Formatting will restore the SD card to its original state for you to use it without restrictions. Let’s go over the steps to format your SD card properly.

Step 1: Place the SD card in its appropriate card reader and connect it to your computer.

Step 2: Right-click the Start menu and hit Disk Management.

Step 3: Find your external SD card in the list of drives.

Step 4: Right-click the SD card partition and select Format.

Step 5: Choose a file system (exFAT or FAT32) and check Quick Format for a faster process.

Step 6: Click Start and confirm any prompts to start formatting.

Step 7: Once done, your SD card should be free of errors. Try deleting your files normally.

Part 3. How to Repair Corrupted SD Card Files?

Related Video >>: How to Fix Corrupted SD Card?

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SD cards are commonly used in cameras, laptops, and mobile devices for storing and transferring data. However, they can become corrupted and cause various errors. A corrupted SD card can make files inaccessible or show error messages when you try to open them. This happens because of improper ejection, system crashes, or file system errors.

In these cases, using reliable repair software like Repairit File Repair can help detect and fix issues. This tool scans for SD card errors, bad sectors, and other corruption problems. After the scan, it provides a thorough fix of any detected issues.

Key Features:

• Recovers unopenable, unreadable, or garbled SD card files caused by bad sectors, virus attacks, or system crashes.
• Repairs SD card files without altering formatting, layout, or embedded media.
• Allows multiple SD card file repairs at once, saving time and effort.
• Supports repairing SD card files over 1GB and other large document types.
• Repairit provides an internal hierarchy preview to verify repair results before restoration.
• The tool uses advanced algorithms to repair SD card files efficiently while maintaining data integrity.

Follow these simple steps to fix corrupted SD card files with Repairit:

Step 1: Launch Repairit SD Card File Repair on your PC. Find the File Repair under More Types Repair.

Then, click Add to upload your corrupted SD card files.

Step 2: Click Repair to begin the SD card repair process. Repairit will scan and fix minor or major issues in your SD card files. You can track progress and cancel repairs if you want.

Step 3: Click Preview next to a SD card file to check the results before saving. Once satisfied, click Save to export individual SD card files or Save All to download everything at once. Choose a target location, and Repairit will save your SD card files.

Conclusion

If you can’t delete files from your SD card, issues, like write protection, file system errors, or improper mounting, may be the cause. Try the six fixes outlined in this guide, from unlocking the write-protect tab to formatting the card. If your SD card is corrupted, repair software like Repairit can help restore your files. By following these steps, you can troubleshoot your SD card and delete files without hassle.