All files are reverted to "read only"

Question

All files are reverting to "read only" I've turned off my malwarebytes virus protection

Answer 1

Hi Sean Keith,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

I understand how disruptive it can be when files suddenly become read‑only, especially when it affects both internal storage and external drives. This behavior is commonly related to security protections, file permissions, or sync status rather than file damage.

Here are some quick checks that you can try to resolve the issue:

1, Check the file or folder attribute

• Right‑click the affected file or folder
• Select Properties
• Clear Read‑only, then select Apply
• If prompted, apply changes to all subfolders and files

2, Review antivirus or ransomware protection settings

• Open your antivirus app (for example, Malwarebytes)
• Look for Ransomware protection, Controlled folder access, or similar features
• Temporarily disable the protection or add the affected folder as an exclusion

3, Check for Protected View (Office files)

• Open the file
• If a Protected View banner appears, select Enable Editing

4, Confirm drive permissions

• Open File Explorer > This PC
• Right‑click the drive > Properties > Security
• Ensure your account has Full control

5, If files are stored in OneDrive

• Select the OneDrive icon in the system tray
• Check for sync errors or storage‑full warnings
• Resolve any listed issues, then retry editing

After making the changes above:

• Restart the device
• Check for the latest Windows and Office updates

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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Answer 2

Files reverting to read-only are typically caused by file attributes, Office/Word settings, or security features rather than just antivirus.

Try these checks in order:

1. Check Windows file attributes
   1. In File Explorer, right-click one affected file > Properties.
   2. On the General tab, under Attributes, if Read-only is checked, clear it and select OK.
   3. If many files are affected in a folder, right-click the folder > Properties, clear Read-only, and apply to files and subfolders.
2. Check for “blocked” files (downloaded or copied from another PC)
   1. Right-click the file > Properties.
   2. If there is an Unblock button or checkbox on the General tab, select it, then OK.
   3. Reopen the file and test editing.
3. If this is happening in Word specifically
   1. Open the document.
   2. Go to File > Info.
   3. Select Protect Document.
   4. Clear Always Open Read-Only (or Always Open View-Only).
   5. Back in the document window, use the upper-right drop-down (it may show Viewing or Reviewing) and switch it to Editing.
4. If files are from SharePoint or OneDrive for Business Files can open read-only if:
   • The library has Checkout required, Validation columns, or Draft item security set to “Only users who can edit/approve items,” which causes synced files to be read-only.
   • The file is in a OneDrive account that has been unlicensed for more than 60 days.
   In these cases, adjust the library settings (Checkout, Validation, Draft item security) or move the file to a location without those restrictions.
5. Protected View / security If files are from the internet or email, they may open in Protected View. Use Enable Editing when prompted, or adjust Protected View settings via File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Protected View (coordinate with an admin before changing these settings).

If a file is truly read-only (for example, on read-only media or enforced by policy), it must be saved under a different name or the read-only attribute removed before changes can be saved.

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References:

• Why did my file open read-only?
• SharePoint files open as read-only
• File is read-only
• Manage access to your Word documents
• What is Protected View?
• Enable editing in your document
• Why is Word 2024 opening .docx files in Viewing/Read-only mode? - Microsoft Q&A