In Microsoft Windows, you can see the attributes of a file by viewing the file properties. To view and change the file properties, follow the steps below.

  • Right-click the file that you want to view or change the file attributes.
  • Select the Properties option.
  • In the file Properties window, you see the attributes under the General tab, as shown in the picture below.

To adjust the file attributes in MS-DOS or the Windows command line, use the attrib command.

  • Check or uncheck the attributes you want to enable or disable. For example, if you want to make a file read-only so it cannot be modified or changed, check the Read-only box, click Apply, and then OK.

If you are not able to change the file properties, the file is likely encrypted or password-protected, preventing you from modifying the attributes.

  • How to password protect files and folders in Windows.
  • How to view hidden files and folders in Windows.
  • See our file attribute, hidden, and read-only definitions for further information.
  • Computer file help and support.