Read-only is a file system permission that only allows a user to read or copy stored data, but not write new information or edit the data. A file, folder, or an entire disk may be set as read-only to prevent accidentally changing the file’s contents.

A read-only object may also be called write-protected.

Attribute, Constant, Read, Security terms

  • How to write-protect files and folders.
  • How to edit or rename a read-only file.
  • Unable to delete file: being used by another person or program.