Can't delete files from sd card in Windows 11

If you can’t delete from the SD card on your Windows 11/10 computer, the solutions provided in this article will help you. This usually happens if the SD card is write-protected or corrupted. When a storage device is write-protected in Windows 11, you cannot modify or delete files it contains.

Can’t delete files from the SD card in Windows 11

Use the following fixes if you can’t delete files from the SD card in Windows 11/10. Before proceeding, we suggest you check for Windows Update and install the same (if available). Sometimes, issues occur due to a bug that can be fixed by installing the latest Windows Update.

Check the physical lock switch
Remove write protection
Run Chkdsk
Use a different SD card reader
Format the SD card
Use the Disk Management
Use a third-party file deleter software

All these fixes are explained in detail below.

1] Check the physical lock switch

Some SD cards have a little physical lock switch. This switch locks the SD card, preventing all files from being deleted. You cannot delete any files until you turn this switch off. Look for this switch on your SD card (the above image will help you).

2] Remove write protection

Some affected users explained that they did not see the Delete option in the right-click context menu. Also, pressing the Delete key on the keyboard does not work. This usually happens when the storage device is write-protected.

If such a thing happens to you, your SD card might be write-protected. Clear the attributes using DIskpart. Follow these steps:

Click on Windows Search and type Diskpart. Press Enter. The UAC prompt will appear. Click Yes.

The Diskpart utility will open. Now, type the following commands and press Enter after typing each of these commands:

list disk

select disk #

attributes disk clear readonly

In the above command, replace # with the correct disk number (SD card in your case). These commands will clear the read-only attributes on your SD card. After clearing the read-only attributes on your SD card, you will be able to delete the files.

Read: How to delete undeletable and locked files, folders in Windows

3] Run Chkdsk

One possible cause of this problem is the SD card corruption. The Chkdsk command in Windows 11 helps repair the hard drive by fixing the logical errors and bad sectors. You can run the Chkdsk scan on an external storage device. Run this scan on your SD card and see if it helps.

4] Use a different SD card reader

The issue may also be associated with your SD card reader. It might not be working properly. If another SD card is available, use it and see if you can delete files.

5] Format the SD card

If you want to delete all the files from your SD card, you can format it. However, if some files are important, copy those files to another location and then format the SD card. The following steps will help you:

Open File Explorer and select This PC.
Right-click on your SD card and select Format.
Select the Quick Format check box and click Start.

6] Use the Disk Management

If you cannot format the SD card, you can use Disk Management to delete the volume. This action will also erase all the data from your SD card. Therefore, back up all your important files before proceeding.

Follow these steps:

Open the Disk Management.
Right-click on your SD card and select Delete Volume.
Click Yes to continue.

Be careful while performing the above steps, as incorrect selection will erase your important data. Therefore, select the right storage device (SD card) in Disk Management. You will see the Unallocated space on your SD card in the Disk Management. If you open the File Explorer, you will not see the SD card there.

Now, follow these steps:

Right-click on the Unallocated space in Disk Management and select New Simple Volume. The New Simple Volume Wizard will open. Click Next and assign a new drive letter. Click Next and then click Finish. You will be asked to format the SD card. Click Format.

7] Use a third-party file deleter software

You can also use a third-party file deleter software. File deleter software helps you force delete your files. You can also delete the locked files using such software.

I hope this helps.

Random read: Text Extractor in Snipping Tool will let you extract text from images

How do I permanently delete files from my SD card?

Deleting the files manually or formatting your SD card does not wipe them out permanently. One can recover them easily by using the data recovery software, until the data has not been overwritten. To permanently delete the files from your SD card, you can use third-party file shredder software.

Why is my SD card not letting me delete files?

If your SD card is not letting you delete files, the SD card might be write-protected or corrupted. You can clear the read-only attributes via the Diskpart utility. If the SD card is corrupted, you can try repairing it with the help of the Chkdsk tool.