Windows: Write Protect Files and Folders

From time to time, users may find themselves wanting to prevent anyone, including themselves, from editing or accidentally deleting a file because it contains important information. Follow the steps below enable or disable write protection on a file(s) or folder(s).

Write protection process

1. Open Windows Explorer by pressing the Windows key+E on your keyboard.

2. Navigate to the location of the file(s) or folder(s) you want to protect.

3. Select and right-click the file, folder, or group of files, and select Properties from the drop-down menu.

4. In the File Properties window, under the General tab, check the box for Read-only or Read-only (Only applies to files in this folder) near the bottom.

5. Click the OK button to save the new setting.

Tip
To turn off write protection, repeat these instructions, but uncheck the box in step 4.