All Files on PC are Read Only: 4 Easy Ways to Change Them

Some of the most reliable solutions

by Madalina Dinita
Madalina Dinita
Madalina Dinita
Windows & Software Expert
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer. She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies... read more
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Reviewed by Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Windows Server & Networking Expert
After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server... read more
Affiliate Disclosure
  • It is possible that your files were set to read-only mode by mistake or by third-party software.
  • You would succeed using any of the solutions we discuss in this guide. 
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A read-only document can’t be edited, but what if all your documents are set to read-only? This can be a problem we will tackle in today’s article.

This is how one user described the issue on Superuser forums:

Restarting my computer one day, most of my files in my folders were switched to read-only. I’ve changed the permissions to allow everyone full control, as well as going through each user.

While read-only files can be helpful, sometimes your documents can become read-only, which can be an issue. In this article, we’ll try to show you how to fix this problem.

Why are all of my files read-only?

Here are a few reasons why all of your files might be marked as read-only. A few possible reasons could be the following:

  • File settings – Your files were set to read-only mode by mistake or third-party software, especially antivirus.
  • PC settings – Your computer’s operating system or security settings prevent you from modifying or deleting the files.
  • Device type – Your files are stored on a read-only device, such as a CD or DVD.
  • File damage – The file system on your hard drive may have become corrupt or damaged, causing all files to be marked as read-only.
  • Permission issues – Your user account may not have the necessary permissions to modify or delete the files.

What can I do if all files are read-only?

1. Change the file properties

  1. First, go to your Documents and find the file you want to change.
  2. Right-click the file and pick the Properties option from the menu.
    document properties all documents are read only
  3. Go to the Attributes tab below the Properties tab and disable the Read-only option.
  4. Click on the Apply option.
    disable read only properties window all documents are read only
  5. Then, click OK.
  6. Now, try to edit the file and check if the problem remains.

2. Change permissions

  1. Locate the folder that holds the read-only files and right-click it.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Navigate to the Security tab and then click on the Advanced button.
    security tab advanced all documents are read only
  4. Click on Change permissions.
    change permissions all documents are read only
  5. Highlight your user name and then click on Edit.
    all files are read only
  6. Under Applies to, select This folder, subfolders, and files.
  7. Under Basic Permissions, select Full Control.
    all files are read only
  8. Press OK.

3. Delete recently added software

  1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
    all files are read only
  2. Under the list of applications, click on your recently added app, and select Uninstall.
    all files are read only
  3. Follow the prompt to complete the uninstallation.
  4. You may have to repeat this step if you have many recently added applications.

Since a non-compatible application may trigger this problem, uninstalling your recently added apps may resolve it.

4. Scan for virus

  1. Type Windows Security in the Search bar, and click on the relevant search result.
    all files are read only
  2. Now, click on Virus & threat protection.
  3. Click on Scan options.
  4. Select Full scan and click the Scan now button at the bottom.
    all files are read only

There you go, four quick and easy solutions that should help you if all your files are read-only.

Note that we have not written these solutions in any particular order and expect you to try what seems the most applicable in your case.

We are, however, curious to know what worked for you. So please leave us a comment below.

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