DVD: remove write protection - is that possible?

In this practical tip, we will tell you whether you can remove the write protection from a DVD to add more data.

DVD + R and DVD-R: Final write protection

Optical data media with the designation DVD + R or DVD-R are write-once media (the "R" stands for recordable). If you finalize the DVD during the burning process, it is finally protected against further write access. You can no longer remove the write protection.

• Alternatively, you can burn a so-called multisession DVD. The disk is not finalized. Additional write access is possible in additional sessions. However, if you finalize the multisession DVD, write protection can no longer be removed here.
• If your burning program does not offer you the option to add data in another session after inserting the DVD, you have probably already finalized the DVD.
• However, unfinalized DVDs cannot be used in every device. Normal DVD players will usually not be able to play the media.

DVD + RW and DVD-RW: rewriting possible

The situation is similar for data media with the designation DVD + RW or DVD-RW: If you finalize the DVD when burning, you can then no longer write to it. The creation of a multisession DVD is also possible here.

• As the name suggests, these media have a decisive advantage: The "RW" stands for rewritable. That means they are rewritable. You can therefore format the data medium using Windows or your burning software. This removes the write protection, even with finalized DVDs.
• To format a rewritable DVD, right-click on your DVD burner in the Windows drive overview and then select "Format ...". Change the specifications as desired, then click on "Start".

Read this practical tip on how to install an ISO file without having to burn it beforehand.