Write Protect

Write Protect can prevent important data stored on a solid state drive (SSD) from being accidentally changed or deleted. When activated, Write Protect mode only allows reading of data; writing and deleting are blocked. This mode can be turned on through either software or hardware settings without needing to install additional drivers, and it will function independently of the host operating system.

To enable Write Protect through hardware, change the position of the general purpose input/output (GPIO) pin connected to the SSD using a jumper or switch. To enable it through software, send a vendor command to the SSD from the host operating system.

Once Write Protect is on, write commands will no longer be applied to the non-volatile memory (NAND) flash storage. However, the SSD will still perform background writes, temporarily storing new or changed data in RAM inside the controller. This allows the system to operate smoothly and keeps data on the flash intact. If the system restarts, any data held in RAM will be lost.