The "Current read only state yes" error is a common problem. Many people face with their USB drives and other storage devices. This error stops you from making any changes to your drives. You cannot add, edit, or delete files when your drive is in a read only state.
This article will show you simple fixes for the current read only state error. We will explain what causes the "current read only state yes" message and how to fix it. Each solution is easy to follow with step-by-step guides. By the end, you should be able to solve your current read only state yes problems on any USB drive.
In this article
Part 1: What Is The Meaning Of "Current Read Only State Yes"?
The message "current read only state yes read only no" means your storage device is locked for writing. You can only read files from the drive but cannot save new files or change existing ones. This happens when you check your drive using the Diskpart utility in Windows and see "Current Read Only State: Yes" in the results.
Read-only protection can happen for many reasons. Sometimes it's a hardware switch on the device, like on some SD cards. Other times, it's a software setting or a protection feature that was turned on. The current read only state yes error often appears on USB drives that were removed unsafely or have file system problems.
When you get the current read only state yes message, your drive is not broken. It just needs to be unlocked. The fixes in this article will help remove the read only state. Once fixed, you can use your USB drive normally again and save files without seeing the current read only state error.
Part 2: Simple Fixes To Resolve The Current Read Only State Error
The "Read Only State Error" stops you from editing or accessing files on your system. Fixing it can be simple. Part 2 covers easy solutions to resolve this issue. It includes steps like checking file settings or storage permissions.
These fixes aim to make things run smoothly again.
| Fix Method | Difficulty | Time Required | Success Rate | Best For |
| Check Drive Permissions | Easy | 5 minutes | Medium | New drives |
| Use Diskpart | Medium | 10 minutes | High | USB drives with current read only state yes |
| Update Drivers | Easy | 15 minutes | Medium | Older devices |
| Windows Scan & Repair | Easy | 30+ minutes | Medium | Corrupted drives |
| Run Quick Virus Scan | Easy | 20 minutes | Low | Minor issues |
Fix 1: Check Drive Permissions
Drive permissions can cause the current read only state yes error. Windows sometimes sets drives to read only for security. Changing these permissions is often the easiest way to fix read only problems on USB drives.
Checking and fixing drive permissions helps when the current read only state is caused by Windows settings. This method works well for new drives that suddenly show read only errors.
Why use this fix:
- Fast and simple solution
- Does not require special tools
- Works for most basic read only issues
- Safe method that won't damage files
- Helps with current read only state yes on regular USB drives
Step 1. Open File Explorer. Right-click on the drive. Select "Properties." Click on the "Security" tab. Click the "Edit”.
Step 2. Select your username and check "Full Control" under Allow. Click "Apply". Then "OK" to save changes.
Fix 2: Use the Diskpart Utility to Remove the read-only state
Diskpart is a powerful Windows tool that can fix the current read only state yes error. It works by directly changing drive attributes at the system level. This method is very effective for USB drives stuck in read only mode.
The Diskpart utility can remove read only attributes that other methods can't fix. When your drive shows "current read only state yes" in Diskpart, using this same tool to clear the attribute makes sense.
Why use this fix:
- Very effective for stubborn read only issues
- Works when other methods fail
- Fixes the current read only state at the system level
- Good for USB drives with "current read only state yes"
- Used by IT professionals to fix disk problems
Step 1. Right-click Start menu. Select "Command Prompt (Admin)". Type "diskpart" and press Enter. Type "list disk". Press Enter to see all drives.
Step 2. Type "select disk X" (Don’t forget to replace X with your drive number). Press Enter. Type "attributes disk clear readonly". Press Enter. Type "exit" to close Diskpart.
Fix 3: Update Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause the current read only state yes error. Your USB drive might be in read only mode because Windows can't properly communicate with it. Updating the drivers often fixes this problem.
Driver updates help the operating system work better with your storage devices. This fix works well when the current read only state yes error started after a system update or when using older USB drives.
Why use this fix:
- Helps with compatibility issues
- Fixes current read only state caused by driver problems
- Works well for older devices
- Can resolve multiple USB issues at once
- Prevents future read only state errors
Step 1. Right-click on the Start menu. Select "Device Manager." Expand the "Disk drives" or "Universal Serial Bus controllers." Right-click on your drive or USB controller. Select "Update driver."
Step 2. Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software."
Fix 4: Use The Built-In Windows Tool To Scan And Repair Errors On The Drive
Windows has built-in tools to fix drive errors that cause the current read only state yes problem. These tools check for file system problems and bad sectors. They can repair issues that make drives go into read only mode.
The Check Disk tool (CHKDSK) is perfect for fixing corrupted USB drives. When a drive has file system errors, Windows may set it to read only as protection. Fixing these errors often removes the current read only state.
Why use this fix:
- Repairs file system corruption
- Fixes bad sectors that cause read only issues
- Built into Windows with no extra downloads
- Thorough scan of drive problems
- Good for current read only state yes on damaged drives
Step 1. Open File Explorer and right-click on the drive with read only state. Select "Properties" and go to the "Tools" tab. Click "Check" button under Error checking.
Step 2. Choose "Scan and repair drive" when prompted. Wait for the scan to complete and restart if needed.
Fix 5: Run A Quick Scan
Antivirus scans can help with current read only state yes problems. Sometimes Windows sets drives to read only when it detects potential security threats. A quick scan can identify and remove these threats.
Running a scan helps ensure the drive is safe to use. This method works well when the current read only state appeared after connecting the USB to a potentially infected computer.
Why use this fix:
- Removes malware that might cause read only issues
- Checks drive safety
- Can identify hidden problems
- Works well with other fixes
- Helps prevent future read only state issues
Step 1. Right-click on the drive in File Explorer. Select "Scan with Windows Defender" or your antivirus program. Choose "Quick scan" option.
Step 2. Wait for the scan to complete. Follow any prompts to remove threats if found.
Part 3: Repairit File Repair: Repair Corrupted Files from USB
Sometimes the current read only state yes error damages files on your USB drive. Even after fixing the read only state, you might find corrupted files. Repairit tool helps recover these damaged files from USB drives that had the current read only state error.
File repair tools work by rebuilding damaged file structures. They can save important data that would otherwise be lost due to the read only state issues. These tools are especially useful when important documents, photos, or videos are on the USB drive with the current read only state yes error.
Specialized repair software can fix files that Windows can't repair. When your USB drive shows "current read only state yes" for a long time, files might become unreadable even after fixing the drive itself.
How Repairit helps:
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Repair corrupted files from drives with read only issues
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Works with many file types including documents, photos, and videos
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Simple interface for non-technical users
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Previews recovered files before saving
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Support Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016/2019/2022, and macOS 10.10~macOS 13.
Steps:
Step 1. Download and install Repairit. Add your files to fix corruption issues.
Step 2. Hit Repair. Start the scanning process.
Step 3. Preview recoverable files found by the program. Select and save the repaired files to a different location.
Repair Corrupted File Files
Security Verified. Over 7,302,189 people have downloaded it.
Conclusion
The current read only state yes error is frustrating but fixable. We've covered multiple solutions from checking permissions to using Diskpart. Each method can help remove the read only state from your USB drive or other storage device.
Start with the simpler fixes like checking permissions or using Diskpart to clear the read only attribute. The command "attributes disk clear readonly" in Diskpart is particularly effective for USB drives showing the current read only state yes error. If those don't work, try the more advanced methods like driver updates or disk repairs.
Remember that preventing read only state errors is important too. Always safely eject USB drives before removing them. Keep your drivers updated and scan for viruses regularly. These habits will help you avoid seeing the "current read only state yes" message in the future. With the right approach, you can keep your storage devices working properly.
FAQ
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What causes the "current read only state yes" error on USB drives?
The current read only state yes error happens for several reasons. Physical write-protection switches on some devices can cause it. Improper removal of USB drives often triggers read only protection. File system errors and corrupted sectors make Windows set drives to read only mode. Virus infections sometimes cause this protection to activate. Outdated drivers can lead to communication problems that result in the current read only state yes error. The diskpart utility shows this status when checking drives that have been locked for writing at the system level. -
Can the Diskpart "attributes disk clear readonly" command damage my files?
The Diskpart command to clear the read only attribute is generally safe for your files. This command only changes the drive's attribute status and doesn't directly modify your data. However, always back up important files before using any disk utility. The "attributes disk clear readonly" command specifically targets the current read only state yes problem without touching file contents. It's one of the most effective ways to fix USB drives with the current read only state yes error. After using this command, your drive should return to normal operation without data loss. -
Why does my USB drive keep returning to read only state after fixes?
If your USB drive keeps showing "current read only state yes" after fixes, it might have hardware problems. Physical damage to the USB drive can cause permanent read only issues. Some USB drives have internal write protection that activates when they reach end of life. Persistent file system corruption might trigger repeated read only protection. Try formatting the drive completely if you don't need the data. Use the diskpart utility with the "clean" command followed by "create partition primary" to completely rebuild the drive structure. If nothing works, the USB drive might be physically failing and need replacement.
