How to Remove the "Read-Only" Attribute from a Folder in Windows 10 and Windows 11

If you're experiencing issues with a folder marked as "Read-Only" in Windows 10 or Windows 11, making it difficult to modify or add files, don't worry. There are several ways to remove this attribute, and below are the most effective solutions.

1. Changing the Attribute via Folder Properties

A simple way to remove the "Read-Only" attribute is by using the standard Properties menu for the folder. Follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on the folder and select Properties.
  2. Go to the General tab.
  3. In the Attributes section, uncheck the Read-Only box.
  4. Click Apply and then OK.
  5. In the dialog box that appears, choose whether to apply changes only to the folder or to all subfolders and files, then click OK.

This method works in most cases, but sometimes the "Read-Only" attribute can reappear due to system settings or permission issues.

2. Using the Command Prompt

If changing through the Properties menu doesn’t work, try using the Command Prompt:

  1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Type the following command:
attrib -r +s "C:\Path\to\your\folder" /s /d

Replace C:\Path\to\your\folder with the actual path to your folder.

  1. Press Enter to execute the command. This will remove the "Read-Only" attribute.

This command not only removes the Read-Only attribute but also adds the System attribute to the folder, which may prevent the attribute from being reapplied.

3. Changing Folder Permissions

Sometimes, the issue lies in lacking the necessary permissions. Try adjusting permissions as follows:

  1. Right-click on the folder and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Security tab and click Edit.
  3. Select the appropriate user or group and ensure all necessary permissions, including Write and Modify, are enabled.
  4. Click Apply and OK to confirm the changes.

4. Checking Group Policy Settings

On some versions of Windows, the "Read-Only" issue might be related to Group Policy settings:

  1. Press Win + R and enter gpedit.msc to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → File Explorer.
  3. Find the setting Prevent changing attributes and make sure it’s disabled.

This method applies to Windows Pro and above, as Home versions of Windows may not have access to the Group Policy Editor.

5. Updating Your System and Drivers

Occasionally, access issues with files and folders can be caused by outdated drivers or system errors. It’s recommended to:

  • Check for Windows updates via Windows Update.
  • Update drivers through Device Manager, especially for file system controllers and storage devices.