Windows 11 folder keeps reverting back to read only

The point is Microsoft caused this and is either unable to correct it or can't be bothered. Users of an OS shouldn't need to spend hours [days] solving problems caused by something clearly created in error. And talking about just one folder as if this is a one off proble fails to answer tha fact that ALL fol,ders are so marked read only on a SSD, folders created on that can't be emptied as Readonly applies to files within,and folder can't be deleted as it has files in it.

The point is that you have a legitimate issue that's preventing deletion of one or more folders, but you're looking in the wrong place for the cause. I have already explained in great detail that the item labelled "Read-only (Only applies to files in folder)" has nothing to do with why you cannot delete a folder.

See for yourself....

Start by making a test a folder that is NOT within control of OneDrive (e.g. C:\Test) and copy some files into it. Now, use the "Read-only (Only applies to files in folder)" checkbox to make all files within the folder read-only. Then drag the folder to the trash and empty the trash. The folder will be gone. Explorer does not care if one or more files within a folder have been marked read-only. That's NOT the cause of the problem you're encountering.

I keep getting access denied on every file.

That's not much to go on, but one possibility is that Ransomware protection (Controlled folder access) is blocking legitimate processes. Try turning that off:

Windows security > Virus & threat Protection > Manage settings > Manage controlled folder access > Controlled folder access > Off

If that's not it, please provide details about what you are doing, or trying to do, when you get an "Access denied" message. The folder you are trying to access and the app that you're using (be it Explorer or something else) is also important.

I keep getting access denied on every file.

@Peter Simmons1

I'm not sure why there was an attempted solution posted to the OP's message from 2 years ago, but using the attrib command to unset all files within a folder read-only is no more useful than using the control in the folder properties dialog. Both will let you clear the read-only attribute from all files in a folder, but that's probably not the issue. It would be extremely rare for an app (intentionally or unintentionally) to mark all files within a folder read-only.

When you have an issue, check the properties of the individual files within the folder and see if any of them have been set read-only. It's unlikely you will see that.

The solid box for the "read-only" item in the folder properties dialog, as I have explained ad nauseum, does not mean the folder is read-only and does not tell you anything about the read-only state of the individual files.

Are you still having an issue with being able to delete folders? If so, please see my reply from January 22, 2025 in this thread:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/win-11-folders-in-all-drives-keep-reverting-to/bd69dc18-ea17-4137-9bb8-3f55486153b5?page=1

My recommendations and request for a screenshot of the error you see still stand.

Sometimes our confusion is due to the instructions don't result in what is claimed, Command in search does not result in a chance to choose Administrator, it opens Bing at a MS page explaining what Command means! I get this all the time, self assured instructions don't work, my Windows 10 seems not to be the same version as the above explanation is using, I meet a brick wall constantly yet MS techs appear to think their instructions will work under all circumstances. There is a disconnect, I don't have any cognition problems and don't overthink, a patronising attitude if ever I saw one, akin to saying don't be thick, do as I say. I do as you say and IT DOESN'T WORK. Perhaps your certainty comes from under thinking?