Some file in documents folder read only some not. Already changed all permissions

Question

Restarting my computer one day, most of my files in my folders were switched to read-only. I've changed the permissions to allow everyone full control, as well as going through each user.

After doing all that, as well as going to the properties and flipping off the read-only radio button (which resets itself back to the on position), my problem still hasn't been fixed.

I've been reading through this Q&A site to try to find the answer, and I'm hoping someone can help me.

Edit: I am running window 10 Pro. I wish I were savvier then I am so I would know what is relevant or not.

Answer 1

Look at Windows Defender Security Center:
1. Double click the Windows Defender icon in system tray (bottom right corner of the screen),
2. Choose Virus & threat protection setting > Controlled folder access (Manage controlled folder access).
It's security feature from Windows Defender against Ransomware attacks. Just disable Windows Defender or Add the program to exclusion setting.

Answer 2

The problem isn't well documented online since there are multiple causes and very few are known.Assuming Windows 10, here are some solutions:

• Controlled Access Switch: The quickest no frills solution is through Windows Defender (this worked for me)

  1. Launch Windows Defender

  2. Navigate to 'Virus & threat protection' setting

  3. Switch off 'Controlled folder access' (this limits privileges on changes made by users and programs on System folders ie Documents, My Music etc)

• Checking and changing file permissions

  1. To check file permissions, type the following in PowerShell:

     (get-acl <folder name>).access | ft IdentityReference,FileSystemRights,AccessControlType,IsInherited,InheritanceFlags -auto
     

  2. To change file permissions, type the following in PowerShell:

     takeown /f <directory> /r /a