Built-In SD Card Reader Write Protection Error

Greetings,
This is my first post on the forums, so if I've misplaced this thread or it's already been answered, please forgive me. I tried searching for my issue with the search feature prior to starting this thread.

The Issue:
No matter what SD Card (or Micro SD Card w/ Adapter) I insert into the card reader that came standard on my HP Envy 17, it will NOT let me Delete pre-existing photos from the memory card. When I try to Format the drive (using the various options and methods), it simply gives me an error message that says the card is "Write Protected." I know this is not the case, because all 15 SD Cards work perfectly find in other machines and devices. I guess it's safe to say it's an issue with my SD Card Reader.

I came here in hopes of finding a remedy besides ordering a USB Card Reader that I have to plug into my laptop every time I need to edit the contents on a memory card. Has anyone heard anything about a possible driver issue? an HP Envy 17 issue? A recall perhaps? I just recently upgraded to Windows 11 about 6 weeks ago, but I don't recall ever trying to edit an SD card prior to the upgrade. So I wouldn't know whether or not the problems came about with the Windows upgrade or not.

Thanks in advance!

The write protect "switch" on a SD card is no real switch.
It's just a piece of plastic that can be shifted in two positions.
In the SD-reader of the device there is some sensing device, that determines in which position the "switch" is standing.
I have read reports of devices where the sensing device was missing or not functioning and thus the write protection did not function at all, even with "write protected" SD cards!

I your case maybe the sensing device does not function properly and is always telling the system that the SD card is write protected.

But as it is possible to do the write protection via registry settings as well, it is not sure that the reading device itself is malfunctioning.

You could read more about the registry settings by searching the Internet with a search string like "(Number like 5 or 6) Ways to Remove Write Protection on an SD Card". Many results lead to (semi-)commercial sites, that's why I don't want to post a direct link here.

I’ve noticed that on occasion the switch will move to locked when inserting the SD card so you may wish to double check this isn’t happening.

themaddenshoppe said:

the card reader that came standard on my HP Envy 17

Click to expand...

1 What does Device manager have to say about your card reader?
2 Does Device manager display any yellow warning triangles or does it have an Other devices section [which is a euphemism for no driver found]?

3 Have you tried going to the HP support site, Drivers & downloads section for your computer to download & re-install the card reader driver?


All the best,
Denis