Shortcut to make something readonly/not readonly

Question

Is there a windows (explorer) shortcut or non-mouse oriented command to make a toggle a given file's read only status?

Solution 1

Works under XP: Alt+Enter Alt+R Enter

Solution 2

attrib is what you're looking for:

attrib +r readonlyfile.txt
attrib -r writeablefile.txt

help attrib says:

Displays or changes file attributes.

ATTRIB [+R | -R] [+A | -A ] [+S | -S] [+H | -H] [drive:][path][filename]
       [/S [/D]]

  +   Sets an attribute.
  -   Clears an attribute.
  R   Read-only file attribute.
  A   Archive file attribute.
  S   System file attribute.
  H   Hidden file attribute.
  [drive:][path][filename]
      Specifies a file or files for attrib to process.
  /S  Processes matching files in the current folder
      and all subfolders.
  /D  Processes folders as well.

Comments

[Peter Turner]

Good answer, though it made me revise my original question because I really wanted a windows explorer shortcut. I'm thinking one doesn't exist, but maybe someone knows of an shell extension or something.

[heavyd]

Perhaps using a combination of attrib and the Send To folder would solve your problem.

[Joey]

You can also add a verb to the context menu which toggles it.

[Dean Meehan]

Additionally confirmed to work under Windows 7

[TheGeneral]

Continues to work under Windows 10.