All files stuck in read only

See if you can take ownership of those files and then remove the read only.
See link below on how to take ownership of files.

https://winaero.com/blog/how-to-take-ownership-...

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Hello JC. Try this answer here by Angela: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

Usually works for this issue. Hope it helps!!

Hi JCWilde, a new feature in Windows 10, Controlled Folder Access may be the problem, please try this,

Open Windows Defender Security Center

Go to Virus & threat protection - Virus & threat protection settings

Depending on your version of Windows, you may have to select 'Ransomware Protection'

Scroll down to Controlled folder access

Turn that option off

Hi JC. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 9 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

In addition you can switch off Read Only on the hard drive if it's been toggled here:
https://www.easeus.com/storage-media-recovery/f...

More about read only here: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/why-di...

I would also try creating a test Admin Local Account to see if this persists: http://www.howtogeek.com/226540/how-to-create-a.... If not you can move your files over to the account, test all programs work from it or reinstall them, then when ready delete the old account at Settings > Accounts > Family and Other Users, also change to a MS account if desired at any time in Settings > Accounts > Your Info.

Finally it may be necessary to Reset or reinstall:

To do the automated Fresh Start saving only files see here: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-use...

For the best possible install follow these illustrated steps in this link which compile the best possible Clean Install of Windows which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, has zero reported problems, and is better than any amount of money could buy: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Make sure during the booted install to follow the illustrated steps to delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, then click Next to let it auto-create the needed partitions, format them and begin install - this makes it foolproof.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

I've tried everything suggested here short of reinstalling Windows. nothing has worked.

oh great, now my account with full administrator privileges has even less actual privileges then before.

It still says I have full user privileges and I have ownership of all my files, but now every time I copy or delete anything it tells me I need administrator permission, on top of everything still being stuck in read only.

The Read-only checkbox will always be filled with a small gray square when a folder's Properties dialog is displayed. It's not a status indicator! It can be used to toggle the read-only attribute of files within the folder, but that is all.

The thing is, most people don't notice it until experiencing other issues, and then fixate on trying to see a cleared checkbox when viewing the Properties dialog. You never will.

So what file operations are giving you trouble? What is the exact text of error messages you are receiving?

Keith

You are going to have to do a reinstall of windows.
This seems like a nasty virus i think you might have gotten.
See link by Greg on how to do this.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...