Unable to delete files from SD card? Try the Best Solutions in 2024

Updated By

Tracy King 

Written By

Cici 

Last Updated on April 22, 2024

Can't delete files from SD card or can't remove files from SD card? Don't worry. This guide is tailored to assist you in deleting files from your SD card. We'll delve into both the solutions and reasons behind this issue, using a tool. You'll learn various troubleshooting methods to accomplish this task swiftly. Let's discuss them one by one:

How to Solve the Problem of Not Being Able to Delete Files from an SD Card

In the sections below, we'll introduce you to six effective solutions that can help you fix the problem of not being able to delete files from your SD card and regain write access to your SD card files.

Let's go step by step through how to delete files from an SD card on Windows 10/11:

Solution 1: Check and unlock the write-protect tab

If you can't delete files from the SD card on your computer, it might be because the write protect tab is enabled. It's a small switch located on the left side of the SD card. Sometimes, users are unaware of this switch and accidentally leave it on. This switch activates the write protection mode on the card. Follow these steps to unlock the write protect tab:

Step one: Take the SD card out of your computer and check that the small sliding switch on the side is not in the “lock” position.

If the switch is off, the card is locked and its content cannot be deleted or modified.

Step three: Slide the switch upward to unlock and disable read-only mode. Try removing the file now that the card is inserted.

If your SD card does not have a write-protect switch, check that the SD card adapter is not locked. Then, try deleting the file again.

Solution 2: Use a write-protect deletion tool

If you can't move or delete the file, you might need to use a professional tool to remove the write protection. tools Partition Master is a certified and trustworthy write protection removal tool suitable for users of all levels. Its renowned "Remove Write Protection" feature helps make your storage device writable with just one click. It automatically bypasses write protection by modifying the firmware of the SD card and registry settings.

Step 1. Download and install Partition Master, go to the “Toolbox,” and then click on “Write Protection.”

Click “Remove Write Protection”

Step 2. Select the USB flash drive, external hard drive, or SD card that you want to remove the write protection from, and click “Disable.”

Click “Remove Write Protection”

Other features of Partition Master include:

Solution 3: Remove Read-Only Attribute Using CMD

Certain SD cards, due to their read-only attribute, do not permit the deletion, copying, or moving of any files they contain. In such cases, the read-only attribute needs to be removed to make the data writable. You can attempt to remove the read-only attribute using CMD. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Insert the SD card into the card reader, and then connect the reader to your computer.

Step 2: Hold the “Windows key” and type “cmd.”

Step 3: Right-click the Command Prompt at the top and select “Run as administrator” from the list.

Step 4: Type each of the following commands into the CMD window, pressing “Enter” after each one.

• list disk
• select disk * (replace the * with the disk number of your SD card, which you can find in "This PC")
• attributes disk clear readonly

Run these commands to fix the issue of not being able to delete files from the SD card

It should say “Disk attributes cleared successfully.” Close the CMD window, and try deleting the files on your SD card again.

Please provide the English content you want translated, and I'll do my best to translate it into Chinese.

Solution 4: Change the value data in the Registry

If CMD doesn't fix the issue, you can try checking the Registry. Let's examine the Registry values to see if there are any problems that require modification.

Step 1: Press “Windows + R” to open the “Run” program.

Step 2: Type “regedit” to open the Registry Editor, and press Enter.

Step 3: Browse to the following location:

This string points to a key path in the Windows Registry. In Chinese, it roughly translates as: Registry entry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control Keep in mind that the Registry is a critical database in the Windows operating system, storing configuration settings for both the system and apps. Messing with the Registry directly can potentially mess with system stability, so proceed with caution, and it's wise to back up important data before making any modifications.

Step 4: Double-click StorageDevicePolicies. In the right pane, double-click WriteProtect. Change the Value data to 0.

Step 5: Save the changes and close the Registry Editor window.

Step 6: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Solution 5: Check for SD Card Errors

An SD card is used in various devices like cameras, laptops, mobile phones, etc., for data transfer or storage. It might get damaged and cause many errors. In such cases, an SD card repair tool - AOMEI Partition Assistant, can help users to check the errors on the SD card.

This tool ensures a thorough check for issues, including filesystem problems, bad sectors, corruption, and other logical errors. The utility provides a detailed report of any errors found after the scan and, if possible, attempts to fix them. Download the Partition Master tool for free and follow these steps to check your SD card for errors: 1. Install and launch the Partition Master application on your computer. 2. Connect the SD card to your computer using an SD card reader. 3. In the Partition Master interface, locate the SD card from the list of available drives. 4. Right-click on the SD card partition and select "Check File System" or "Repair Damaged Partition" from the context menu. 5. A warning message may appear, asking you to confirm the operation. Click "OK" or "Yes" to proceed. 6. The software will now scan the SD card for errors. This process might take some time, depending on the size of the card. 7. Once the scan is complete, review the report detailing any issues found and the actions taken by the tool. 8. If the tool was able to fix the errors, you can safely eject and reinsert the SD card to see if the problem is resolved. Remember that while Partition Master can be helpful in diagnosing and fixing SD card issues, it's not a guarantee that all problems can be resolved. If the card still doesn't work properly, you might need to consider data recovery software or replace the SD card.

Step 1: Right-click on the problematic target partition.

2. Choose Utilities > Check File System.

Step 3. Choose whether to hide the partition.

Step 4. In the “Check File System” window, select the option to “Try to repair errors if found.”

Click “Start” to begin checking your partition for errors.

Solution 6: Format the SD Card

Formatting the SD card should be your last resort since it will delete everything on the card. If none of the above fixes resolve the “can't delete files from SD card” issue, you must format your SD card. There are some limitations with the built-in utility in Windows. Sometimes, it fails to work on read-only or write-protected attributes.

In this case, we recommend you use the tool Partition Master – the best SD card formatter to format your SD card with one click. It supports all file systems including NTFS, FAT16, FAT32, exFAT, and Ext2/3/4. Its powerful “Format” feature allows users to get the card ready for use.

Download the free Partition Master, and then follow these steps to format your SD card.

Step 1: Find your SD card, right-click on the partition you want to format, and choose “Format.”

Step 2: Set a new partition label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and cluster size for the selected partition, then click “OK”.

<b>Step 3:</b> Click “Yes” in the pop-up window to continue.

4. Click the “Do It Now” button on the toolbar, then click “Apply” to begin formatting your SD card.

Why can't I delete files from my SD card?

The inability to delete files from an SD card might indicate an issue with the standard file deletion process. This can be caused by various reasons, including write protection, files in use, poor contact with the adapter, or an unstable file system. Here are some common reasons why you might not be able to delete files from an SD card: 1. **Write Protection**: The SD card might have a physical switch on its side that prevents any modifications, including deletion. Ensure this switch is not in the locked position. 2. **Files in Use**: If the files are currently being used by another application or process, you won't be able to delete them. Close all applications and try again. 3. **Corrupted File System**: Issues with the SD card's file system can prevent deletion. This can occur due to a sudden power loss, virus attack, or other factors. 4. **Driver or Adapter Issues**: Sometimes, a faulty SD card reader or outdated drivers can cause problems. Try using the card in another device or update the drivers for your current reader. 5. **Format Issues**: The SD card might be formatted with a file system that's not compatible with your device. Check the card's format and reformat it if necessary, but remember that this will erase all data. 6. **Third-Party Software**: Some security software or antivirus programs may block the deletion process. Temporarily disable these utilities and see if you can delete the files. 7. **Hardware Damage**: Physical damage to the SD card can lead to deletion issues. Check for visible signs of damage, such as bent pins or scratches. To resolve the issue, you can try the following steps: - Restart your device. - Check and modify the write protection status. - Eject and reinsert the SD card. - Use a different SD card reader. - Use built-in disk utility tools (e.g., Disk Utility on macOS or chkdsk on Windows) to check and repair the card. - Format the SD card (make sure to back up any important data first). - Contact the manufacturer or a professional for hardware repairs. Remember that deleting files from an SD card might also require administrative privileges on the device you're using.

• SD card is write-protected or physically locked
• SD card is damaged or has an incorrect format
• The file you want to delete is currently open
• The file is part of a protected system or hidden directory
• The SD card is infected with malware or a virus
• Loose connection with the adapter
• Corrupted file system

Understanding the root cause of the problem will help you choose the right solution. If you found this article helpful in solving your issue, please share it with others who might also benefit using the social buttons below.

The bottom line?

This page covers six solutions to fix the issue of not being able to delete files from an SD card. Each solution works in different situations. However, if you're unsure why you can't delete the file, Partition Master is a universal solution. This tool offers various features to delete files and format any SD card.

Frequently Asked Questions About Unable to Delete Files from SD Card

If you have more questions about deleting files or formatting it from a micro SD card, you can find answers here. This section covers frequently asked questions to address concerns about the subject.

**How to Force Delete Files from a MicroSD Card?** To force delete files from a MicroSD card, follow these steps: 1. **Connect the SD Card**: Insert the MicroSD card into a reader and connect it to your computer. 2. **Show Hidden Files**: Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and ensure hidden files are visible. In Windows, press `Win + E` to open Explorer, then click "View" in the top right corner and check "Hidden items." On a Mac, go to Finder, choose "Go" from the menu bar, and enter `Shift + Command + .` to show hidden files. 3. **Open Disk Utility**: - Windows: Search for "Disk Management" and open it. - Mac: In Finder, go to "Applications" > "Utilities" > "Disk Utility." 4. **Select the SD Card**: In Disk Utility's left sidebar, find and select your SD card. 5. **Format the SD Card (Caution)**: At the top menu bar in Disk Utility, click "Erase" or "Format." Enter a new name (optional), choose a file system (like "FAT32" or "exFAT"), then click "Erase" or "Format." Note that this will delete all data on the card, so only do this if you're sure there are no important files. 6. **If you don't want to format**: In Windows, right-click the SD card, choose "Properties," then under the "Tools" tab, click "Check" to scan and fix errors. Then try deleting the files. On a Mac, attempt to delete the files directly in Finder; if that fails, try `Command + Delete`, or empty the Trash after moving them. 7. **Use Third-Party Software**: If the above methods fail, try using secure deletion software like Recuva or Eraser, which can help force the removal of stubborn files. Remember that formatting the SD card will permanently erase all data, so make sure to back up important files before proceeding.

If you use Windows, you can force-delete files on your microSD card very easily. Just connect the card to your computer with a USB OTG cable, then select the files you want to delete from it. Press “Shift + Del.” Keep in mind that this will immediately and permanently remove the selected files without any confirmation.

2. Why Can't I Format SD Card?

There can be multiple reasons for an SD card not formatting. It might have read-only file attributes, or it could be write-protected via a physical switch. Additionally, check if the card is damaged, infected with malware, or has bad sectors. In such cases, you can try using third-party tools to format your SD card.

How do I permanently delete files from an Android SD card?

Follow these steps to delete files from your SD card:

1. Open the File Manager and browse through the files on your SD card. Long press on a file until checkboxes appear. 2. Select the files you wish to delete, then tap the "Delete" button.