Skip to main content

How to Set or Remove the Read-Only Attribute in Batch Script

Managing file permissions is a common task in scripting. You may need to protect a configuration file from accidental changes by making it read-only, or you might need to remove the read-only flag from a file before your script can modify or delete it. The standard Windows utility for this is the ATTRIB command.

This guide will teach you the simple syntax for using ATTRIB to add (+R) and remove (-R) the read-only attribute, how to apply this to multiple files using wildcards, and provide a practical script for preparing files for an archival process.

The Core Command: ATTRIB​

The ATTRIB command is a powerful, built-in utility for viewing and changing file attributes. For managing the read-only status, we use a simple plus (+) or minus (-) syntax.

  • ATTRIB +R "filename": Adds the read-only attribute, making the file protected.
  • ATTRIB -R "filename": Removes the read-only attribute, making the file writable.

The letter R specifically represents the Read-only attribute.

Setting the Read-Only Attribute (+R)​

To protect a file from modification, you make it read-only. Once this flag is set, any attempt to change or delete the file will result in a "Permission denied" or "Access is denied" error.

Let's protect a sensitive configuration file with the following example.

@ECHO OFF
SET "CONFIG_FILE=C:\AppData\settings.ini"

ECHO Protecting the configuration file...
ATTRIB +R "%CONFIG_FILE%"

ECHO Verifying the change...
ATTRIB "%CONFIG_FILE%"

Output:

Protecting the configuration file...
Verifying the change...
A    R      C:\AppData\settings.ini
note

The second ATTRIB command displays the attributes. The R confirms that the file is now read-only.

Removing the Read-Only Attribute (-R)​

Conversely, to modify or delete a protected file, you must first remove its read-only attribute.

Now, let's make the same configuration file writable again.

@ECHO OFF
SET "CONFIG_FILE=C:\AppData\settings.ini"

ECHO Making the configuration file writable...
ATTRIB -R "%CONFIG_FILE%"

ECHO Verifying the change...
ATTRIB "%CONFIG_FILE%"

Output:

Making the configuration file writable...
Verifying the change...
A           C:\AppData\settings.ini
note

The R is now gone, indicating the file is no longer read-only.

Working with Multiple Files Using Wildcards​

One of the most powerful features of ATTRIB is its support for wildcards (* and ?). This allows you to change the attributes of many files at once.

For example, this script finds all files with a .log extension in the C:\Logs\Archive directory and makes them read-only to prevent tampering.

@ECHO OFF
ECHO Archiving all log files by making them read-only...
ATTRIB +R "C:\Logs\Archive\*.log"

ECHO Process complete.
note

This single command will apply the +R attribute to every .log file in that folder.

Common Pitfalls and How to Solve Them​

Problem: Command Fails on Paths with Spaces​

If the path to your file or folder contains spaces, failing to quote it will cause the ATTRIB command to misinterpret the path and fail.

Let's see the error:

REM This will FAIL.
ATTRIB +R C:\My Application\config.ini

Solution: Always Quote Your Paths​

Enclosing the entire file path in double quotes is a fundamental best practice in batch scripting. It ensures that paths are treated as a single, complete string.

REM This is the correct, safe syntax.
ATTRIB +R "C:\My Application\config.ini"

Problem: Handling "File Not Found" Errors​

If you try to change the attribute of a file that does not exist, ATTRIB will print an error and your script will continue, potentially leading to incorrect assumptions later on.

Let's see the error:

C:\> ATTRIB +R non_existent_file.txt
File not found - non_existent_file.txt

Solution: Use IF EXIST First​

For scripts that operate on a single, critical file, it's best to verify that the file exists before you attempt to modify it.

@ECHO OFF
SET "FILENAME=important.dat"

IF NOT EXIST "%FILENAME%" (
    ECHO [ERROR] Cannot set attribute because the file does not exist.
    GOTO :EOF
)

ATTRIB +R "%FILENAME%"
ECHO Successfully set "%FILENAME%" to read-only.

Practical Example: Preparing Files for Deletion​

This script prepares a folder of old logs for deletion. It first removes the read-only and hidden attributes from all files in the folder and its subdirectories, ensuring that the final DEL command will not fail due to permissions.

@ECHO OFF
SETLOCAL
SET "CLEANUP_FOLDER=C:\Temp\OldLogs"

ECHO --- Preparing Folder for Cleanup ---
ECHO Target: %CLEANUP_FOLDER%
ECHO.

IF NOT EXIST "%CLEANUP_FOLDER%" (
    ECHO Folder not found. Nothing to do.
    GOTO :End
)

ECHO Removing read-only and hidden attributes recursively...
REM The /S switch makes it recursive. The /D switch ensures it also applies to folders.
ATTRIB -R -H "%CLEANUP_FOLDER%\*.*" /S /D

ECHO Attributes cleared. The folder is now ready for deletion.
REM Example: RMDIR /S /Q "%CLEANUP_FOLDER%"

:End
ECHO Script finished.
ENDLOCAL
note

Note the use of the /S and /D switches to make the ATTRIB command apply recursively to all files and folders within the target directory.

Conclusion​

The ATTRIB command is the definitive tool for managing file attributes in Windows Batch. Its syntax is simple, memorable, and powerful, especially when combined with wildcards.

Key takeaways for reliable scripting:

  • Use ATTRIB +R to make a file read-only.
  • Use ATTRIB -R to make a file writable.
  • Always enclose file paths in double quotes ("...") to handle spaces correctly.
  • Use an IF EXIST check for critical operations on single files to avoid errors.

Mastering ATTRIB is a fundamental step in writing robust scripts that can safely and effectively manage the file system.

Table of Contents