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 it can be opened and read but it cannot be changed, deleted or renamed.
What is the Diskpart command?
Diskpart is a utility that we can run in Windows for the 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 performed by Diskpart require the 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 MacOS system itself.
How to change the attributes of a read-only hard drive in Windows
If you want to change the attributes of a read-only hard drive, it is essential to perform a series of steps focused on the changing disk properties through the Windows system interface or through the use of the command console for this operating system.
Make sure you are logged in as an "Administrator" user
First of all, you need to log into your PC using a administrator account. In this way you will be able to access permissions and modify hard disk attributes without any obstacle or limitation.
Enter the hard drive properties
One way to change the attributes of a read-only hard drive is when accessing the properties of this component. To do this, go to "This computer" and locate the local hard drive on which you want to change its attributes.
Change hard drive attributes from read-only
Press the right mouse button and click on «Properties». You will see a new window identified as "Local disk properties". There, you need to locate and click on the «Security» tab at the top.
Press the "Edit" button and, in the new edit window, uncheck the "Read" box. Then click on «Apply» and «OK». This will allow you to change the hard disk attributes from Windows as an administrator user.
Log in to the Windows command console
Do you know what it is, what it is for and how to use the CMD command prompt? If so, 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 on "Run as administrator". As a result, a new window corresponding to the command console of the Windows system will open.
Use the command console to change read-only hard drive attributes in Windows
It's time to use commands to change hard drive attributes. To do this, type diskpart and press the "Enter" key. Wait a second while you log into the tool.
Then type list disk and press "Enter". With this command you will be able to see the list of disks on your PC. Each of them is identified as "Disk #" or "Disk #». Select disk 0 using the "select disk 0" command (without the quotes). You will see the message "disk 0 is now the selected disk".
Check and change the attributes from cmd
Type the command "disk attributes" and press the "Enter" key. With this statement you will be in degree of check hard drive attributes. Then type "disk attributes clear readonly" and press "Enter". The system will show you the message "Disk attributes successfully deleted".
Finally, type "Go out" and press the «Enter» key to exit and close the command console of the Windows system.
