How to Fix “Not All Data Was Successfully Written” Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Encountering the “Not All Data Was Successfully Written” error on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when trying to save important files. This error usually means that some information failed to transfer correctly to your storage device. It can happen due to various reasons, such as permission issues, disk errors, or software conflicts.

Thankfully, there are simple and effective steps to resolve this issue without needing advanced technical knowledge. This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow solutions to fix the problem and prevent it from happening again.

By following these instructions carefully, you can ensure your data is saved correctly and avoid data loss. Let’s explore the best ways to tackle this error on your Windows 11 system.

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand some quick checks that can save you time and effort.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Check Storage Space: Ensure your hard drive or USB device has enough free space to save the file. Insufficient space often causes write errors.
Verify File Permissions: Confirm that you have permission to write or modify files in the folder or drive you are using.
Try a Different Device or Port: If you’re using external storage like a USB drive, try connecting it to another USB port or a different computer to rule out hardware issues.
Close Other Programs: Sometimes, other software might interfere with saving files. Close unnecessary apps to avoid conflicts.

Step 1: Run Windows Troubleshooter for Hardware and Devices

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common problems with hardware and devices. Running this tool can quickly fix minor issues causing the error.

Click on the Start button and open Settings.
Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Find Hardware and Devices in the list and click Run.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

This step helps identify if any connected devices or drivers are causing the write failure.

Step 2: Check and Repair Disk Errors Using CHKDSK

Disk errors or bad sectors can prevent data from being written properly. Running the Check Disk tool scans your storage device and fixes common file system problems.

Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

chkdsk C: /f /r /x

Replace C: with the correct drive letter if your files are on a different drive.

You may receive a message asking to schedule a scan on the next restart. Type Y and press Enter.
Restart your computer to allow the tool to scan and fix disk errors.

This process can take some time, especially if your drive is large, but it often resolves data writing issues caused by disk corruption.

Step 3: Adjust File and Folder Permissions

Sometimes, the error occurs because you don’t have the proper permissions to save files in a specific location. Adjusting permissions ensures Windows allows you to write data.

Right-click the folder or drive where you want to save the file and select Properties.
Go to the Security tab and click Edit.
Select your user account from the list.
Under Permissions, make sure Write and Modify are checked.
Click Apply and then OK to save changes.

After adjusting permissions, try saving your file again. This step ensures you have the necessary rights to write data.

Step 4: Disable Antivirus or Security Software Temporarily

Sometimes, antivirus or security programs block file writing to protect your system. Temporarily disabling these tools can help determine if they cause the error.

Locate your antivirus software icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner).
Right-click the icon and look for an option to disable or pause protection temporarily.
Try saving your file again while the antivirus is disabled.
Remember to re-enable your antivirus after testing to keep your PC protected.

If disabling the antivirus fixes the problem, consider adding the folder or program to the antivirus’s whitelist or exceptions.

Step 5: Save the File in a Different Location or Format

Sometimes, the issue is specific to the folder or file format you are using. Saving your file elsewhere or changing the file type may help.

Try saving the file on your desktop or another folder like Documents.
If you are saving a document, export or save it in a different format (for example, from .docx to .pdf).

This simple workaround can help bypass folder or file-specific restrictions causing the error.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, consider these advanced solutions:

Update Device Drivers: Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause write errors. Use Device Manager to update your disk and USB drivers.
Perform System File Check: Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt as administrator to repair corrupted system files.
Check for Windows Updates: Keeping your system updated can fix bugs and improve stability.
Use Disk Cleanup: Clean unnecessary files to free up space and improve disk health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does the “Not All Data Was Successfully Written” error appear?

This error usually appears when Windows cannot complete writing data to the storage device due to hardware issues, permission problems, or software conflicts.

Can this error cause data loss?

It can potentially cause partial data loss if files are not saved correctly. It’s important to fix the error promptly and back up important files regularly.

Is this error related to external devices only?

No, it can occur on both internal hard drives and external storage devices like USB drives or SD cards.

Will formatting the drive fix this error?

Formatting can fix disk errors but will erase all data. Consider it only as a last resort after backing up your files.

How do I know if my drive is failing?

Signs include frequent errors, slow performance, strange noises, or the Check Disk tool reporting unrecoverable errors.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions fix the problem, consider these final options:

Backup Important Data: Use backup software or manually copy files to a safe location as soon as possible.
Contact Professional Support: Reach out to Microsoft Support or a trusted computer technician for help.
Replace the Storage Device: If the drive is physically damaged, replacing it may be necessary.
Visit Official Microsoft Resources: Check the Microsoft Support website for additional troubleshooting guides and updates.

Conclusion

The “Not All Data Was Successfully Written” error on Windows 11 can be caused by many factors, ranging from simple permission issues to hardware problems. Starting with basic checks like free space and file permissions can quickly solve the problem in most cases. Running Windows troubleshooters and disk repair tools adds another layer of fixes that address common system errors.

If the issue persists, exploring advanced options like updating drivers or scanning system files is recommended. Always keep your data backed up and maintain your system with regular updates and disk maintenance to avoid future problems.

By following these step-by-step solutions, you can confidently resolve this error and ensure your files are saved safely on Windows 11.