Remove write protection from a USB key via the the Registry

Issue

This a very common problem when using USB flash drives. Sometimes when you try to copy or delete files you get an error message "Remove the write-protection or use another disk". Furthermore, it won't allow you to format it!

Solution

To remove write protection:

Open Start Menu >> Run, type regedit and press Enter. This will open the registry editor.

Navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies

Double click the key WriteProtect in the right pane and set the value to 0

In the Data Value Box, press OK

Exit Registry, restart your computer and then re-connect your USB pen drive to your computer.