There are two ways to make a USB read only. One method will make the USB read-only on anything it is connected to, so you could say this is a universal way of making a flash drive write protected.

The other way is a PC-specific solution where some registry edits are required on any computer the USB flash drive is connected to.

When we say 100% permanent, this means the USB stick is read only (write protected) on all devices, whether it be computers like a Mac, Windows PC, Linux box, or non-processor based products like a car stereo. This permanent solution also means the status of the drive cannot be changed. The other method flags a USB device to be read only in relation to the PC it is connected to, so whenever that USB stick is connected to that computer, it makes the USB read only and blocks all write commands to the device.

Most times an IT manager or content owner wants the USB stick to be read only so the files cannot be deleted or formatted off the drive. Another reason for making a USB read only is for the original files to remain the same and block the ability for files to be changed or manipulated. Finally, it’s smart to have USB drives set to read only so that viruses don’t jump onto the drive and possibly spread to other computers.

Let us start with the less permanent way because it’s easier to do and doesn’t require any specific hardware.

You will need a Windows 7 machine or higher. Windows 7 includes the DiskPart utility, which allows us to perform useful tasks on flash drives, like setting write protection.

• Connect the USB to your Windows computer.
• To begin, go to your Windows Start menu and in the search field type cmd.

This will run your Command Prompt.

• Next, you will want to get to the C root of the Command Prompt. If you are signed in as a user you can simply type cd\ – this will get you back to the root of the C drive.
• Type DISKPART.
• Type LIST DISK.

Now you will need to find the USB stick connected to your PC. Most likely it’s DISK 1.