OneDrive File Issues

How to Remove Read-Only Attribute from Documents Folder After OneDrive Sync

Algirdas Jasaitis Sep 25, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to remove the read-only attribute from their local Documents folder after moving it from OneDrive, and wishes to completely halt OneDrive synchronization for that folder.

How to Remove the Read-Only Attribute from a Local Documents Folder

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows PC
Scenario: Moving the synced Documents folder from OneDrive storage back to local PC storage.
Observed behavior: The Documents folder displays a persistent Read-only attribute that prevents standard modifications, and OneDrive continues to interfere with the folder sync.

Before you start

Verify that you are logged into your PC with an Administrator account, as modifying attributes of core system folders like Documents requires elevated permissions.

Solution 1Recommended

Stop OneDrive Synchronization for the Documents Folder

Disable the OneDrive backup for your Documents folder to prevent the cloud service from locking the files or applying sync attributes.

Before modifying the folder's read-only status, you must ensure that OneDrive is no longer actively managing or syncing the Documents folder.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Windows system tray (taskbar), click the Gear icon (Help & Settings), and select 'Settings'.

Navigate to Backup Options

In the OneDrive settings menu, go to the 'Sync and backup' tab located on the left sidebar.

Manage Folder Backup

Click the 'Manage backup' button. Find the 'Documents' folder in the list and toggle the switch to turn off the backup.

Confirm Local Storage

Confirm your choice to stop backing up. Ensure that your Documents are now routed to your local hard drive rather than the OneDrive directory.

File Location Note: Stopping the backup leaves existing files in the OneDrive folder. You will need to manually move them to your local Documents folder.

Solution 2

Remove the Read-Only Attribute via Folder Properties

Clear the read-only checkbox in the Windows file explorer properties to restore full edit access to your local documents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Read-only square keep reappearing on my Documents folder?

In Windows, the Read-only attribute on folders is generally ignored by the file system and used only by Windows Explorer to customize folder views. A filled square in the checkbox is the default state for system folders. As long as the files inside the folder are editable, this is normal behavior.

Will I lose my files if I stop OneDrive sync for the Documents folder?

No, stopping the sync does not delete your files. However, the existing files will remain inside the OneDrive folder on your PC. To view them in your standard local Documents folder, you will need to manually move them from the OneDrive directory to your local directory.

How do I check if individual files are marked as Read-only?

Right-click the specific file inside your Documents folder, select Properties, and check the General tab. If the 'Read-only' box is checked, uncheck it and click Apply. You can also highlight multiple files to change their attributes simultaneously.

Document & File Issues