4 Ways to Fix Folder Keeps Reverting to Read-Only in Windows 11

Quick Tips

• If the folder you’re trying to modify was created from an administrator account, you will need to use an account with administrative privileges to change the read-only attribute.
• You can try changing the read-only attribute of a folder using Command Prompt.
• Run the SFC and DISM scans to fix issues caused by corrupt or damaged system files.

Try Basic Fixes

• Disable any third-party antivirus program: Third-party antivirus programs can sometimes interfere with Windows processes and cause problems. To avoid any conflicts, temporarily disable your third-party antivirus program and see if that helps.
• Install Windows updates: Windows updates often carry important bug fixes and improvements to your PC. If the issue is only occurring due to a bug, installing pending updates should help.

Fix 1: Modify Permissions for the Drive

Another thing you can try is to change the permissions for the drive where the folder is stored. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer and navigate to This PC. Right-click on the drive where the folder is located and select Properties.

Step 2: Navigate to the Security tab and click the Advanced button.

Step 3: Click the Change permissions button.

Step 4: Select your user account and click Edit.

Step 5: Click the drop-down menu next to “Applies to” and select This folder, subfolders, and files.

Step 6: Under Basic permissions, check the Full control box. Then, click OK.

After you complete the above steps, you can change the folder attribute without problems. However, if there are multiple user accounts on the system, you’ll have to enable the inheritance option to ensure consistency of permissions across all objects.

Step 1: Open File Explorer again and navigate to the following folder:

C:\Users

Step 2: Locate the folder with your username. Right-click on it and select Properties.

Step 3: Switch to the Security tab and click on Advanced.

Step 4: Click the Enable inheritance button and then hit Apply.

Fix 2: Change the Read-Only Attribute Using Command Prompt

Windows provides several methods for changing the read-only attribute of a folder. So, if you’re having trouble changing the read-only attribute via folder properties, you can use Command Prompt to implement the change. Here’s how:

Step 1: Right-click on the folder you want to change the read-only attribute and select Copy as path.

Step 2: Right-click on the Start icon and select Terminal (Admin) from the list.

Step 3: Paste the following command in the console and press Enter.

attrib -r +s "FolderPath"

Replace FolderPath in the above command with the path copied in the first step.

Fix 3: Disable Controlled Folder Access

Controlled folder access is a security feature in Windows that protects your files and folders from unauthorized changes. This feature can also restrict you from changing the folder attribute on Windows 11. Here’s how you can disable it.

Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar, type in windows security and press Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to the Virus & threat protection tab and click on Manage ransomware protection.

Step 3: Toggle off the switch for Controlled folder access.

Fix 4: Run SFC and DISM Scans

Corrupt or damaged system files can also disrupt Windows operations and cause such problems. To check for this possibility, you can run the SFC (or System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scans on your PC by following the steps below.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + S to open the search menu and type terminal in the box. Right-click on the first result and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Type the following command in the console and press Enter.

SFC /scannow

Step 3: Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each one.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your PC after the scan is complete and try changing the folder attribute again.