How to Fix Drive Storage Full and Read-Only Error in Windows

If your Windows computer shows Drive Storage Full even when space is available, or your C drive, D drive, E drive, F drive, pen drive, or SSD becomes read-only, this problem is usually caused by junk files, restricted permissions, file system errors, or disk write protection. Follow the steps below carefully to fix the issue without formatting or reinstalling Windows.

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Step 1: Clean Junk Files Using Disk Cleanup

Open Search → Type Disk Cleanup → Open Disk Cleanup

Select your affected drive → Click OK

Check Temporary files, Recycle Bin, Thumbnails

Click Clean up system files → Select drive again → Click OK

This step removes hidden system junk that often causes false storage full errors.

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Step 2: Enable Storage Sense to Manage Space Automatically

Press Windows + I → Open Settings

Click System → Click Storage

Turn ON Storage Sense

Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now → Enable all cleanup options

Storage Sense helps prevent future storage full problems, especially on SSD and C drive.

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Step 3: Allow Full Permission to Drive (Fix Read-Only Issue)

Open This PC → Right-click on the affected drive (C, D, E, F, pen drive, or SSD)

Click Properties → Go to the Security tab

Click Edit → Select your User name → Under Allow, check Full Control

Click Apply → Click OK

This removes permission-based read-only restrictions from the drive.

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Step 4: Repair Drive Errors Using CHKDSK Command

What this command does (short explanation)

Fixes file system errors → Shows detailed scan → Forces drive repair

Open Search → Type cmd

Right-click Command Prompt → Click Run as administrator

Type chkdsk C: /f /v /x → Press Enter

If asked, type Y → Press Enter → Restart PC if required

For other drives, replace C: with D:, E:, F:, or your pen drive letter.

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Step 5: Remove Read-Only Attribute Using DiskPart

Important: Select the correct drive and press Enter after each command

Open Command Prompt as administrator

Type diskpart → Press Enter

Type list volume → Press Enter

Type select volume C → Press Enter (select your correct drive)

Type attributes disk clear readonly → Press Enter

Type exit → Press Enter

Restart your computer and check the drive status.

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Final Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you can fix drive storage full and read-only errors in Windows for C drive, D drive, E drive, F drive, pen drive, and SSD. These methods solve permission issues, corrupted file systems, hidden storage usage, and write protection safely without data loss.

If the problem still continues, it may indicate physical drive issues, and backing up important data is strongly recommended.