Synced Library Shows Read-Only Files: Causes and Workarounds

You open a file from a synced SharePoint library in File Explorer only to find it is marked as read-only. You cannot edit, rename, or delete the file from your local computer. This problem occurs when file synchronization metadata, permission settings, or file checkout status prevent write access. This article explains the exact causes of read-only files in synced libraries and provides step-by-step workarounds to restore edit capability.

Why Files in a Synced SharePoint Library Become Read-Only

A file synced from SharePoint to your local machine can appear read-only for several distinct reasons. The most common cause is that the file is checked out by another user or by the system. SharePoint enforces checkout to prevent conflicting edits. When a file is checked out, only the user who checked it out can edit it. All other users see a read-only copy.

Another frequent cause is the Windows file attribute itself. The sync process sometimes marks files with the read-only attribute in the local file system. This happens when the OneDrive sync app encounters a synchronization error or when the file is stored in a folder that has the read-only attribute set. The read-only flag on a folder does not always propagate to files, but it can affect how Windows displays file permissions.

A third cause involves permission inheritance. If a SharePoint site or library has unique permissions that restrict edit access for certain users, those users will see the file as read-only even after syncing. The sync app respects SharePoint permissions and shows the file in a state that matches the user’s access level.

Finally, file locking by another application or by the OneDrive sync process itself can cause a file to appear read-only. If a file is open in another program, Windows locks the file and marks it as read-only in File Explorer.

Steps to Identify and Remove the Read-Only Attribute

1. Check the file properties in File Explorer
   Right-click the file and select Properties. On the General tab, look for the Read-only check box. If it is checked, uncheck it and click Apply. If the check box is filled solid instead of checked, the attribute is inherited from the parent folder. Click Advanced and clear the Read-only attribute in the Advanced Attributes dialog.
2. Verify file checkout status in SharePoint
   Open the SharePoint library in a web browser. Locate the file and hover over it. Click the three dots (ellipsis) and select Details. In the Details pane, look for the Checked Out To field. If a user name appears, the file is checked out. Contact that user to check it back in, or if you have Manage permissions, use Check In from the ellipsis menu.
3. Check SharePoint permissions for the library
   In the SharePoint library, click the gear icon and select Library settings. Under Permissions and Management, click Permissions for this document library. If the library has unique permissions, ensure your user account has at least Contribute permission. If you lack edit rights, request access from the site owner.
4. Reset the OneDrive sync app cache
   Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray and select Settings. Under the Sync and backup tab, click Unlink this PC. Confirm the unlinking. Restart your computer. Open OneDrive again and sign in. Re-sync the SharePoint library. This clears any corrupted metadata that might be forcing the read-only attribute.
5. Disable Files On-Demand temporarily
   Right-click the OneDrive icon and select Settings. On the Sync and backup tab, uncheck Save space and download files as you use them. Click OK. Wait for OneDrive to download all files. Then check if the read-only issue persists. Re-enable Files On-Demand after testing.
6. Run the OneDrive sync app diagnostic tool
   Press Windows key + R, type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\OneDrive.exe /reset, and press Enter. Wait for OneDrive to restart. This command resets the sync app without unlinking your account.

If SharePoint Still Shows Read-Only Files After the Main Fix

“I cannot edit a synced file even after checking it in”

After checking in a file, the sync app may still show it as read-only because the local cache has not updated. Force a sync by right-clicking the OneDrive icon and selecting Sync. If the file remains read-only, delete the local copy from the synced folder and let OneDrive download a fresh copy from SharePoint.

“All files in a synced folder are read-only”

This usually indicates that the parent folder in File Explorer has the read-only attribute set. Right-click the folder, select Properties, and on the General tab, uncheck Read-only. Click Apply and choose Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files. Click OK. If the attribute returns after a sync, the SharePoint library itself might have the read-only flag set on the folder. Check folder permissions in SharePoint.

“The file is read-only only on my computer but not on other synced devices”

This points to a local sync issue. The most effective workaround is to stop syncing the library and then re-add it. In OneDrive, right-click the OneDrive icon, select Settings, go to the Account tab, click Choose folders, and uncheck the library. Click OK. Then re-check the library to re-sync all files.

Synced Library vs SharePoint Online: File Access Comparison

Item	Synced Library (File Explorer)	SharePoint Online (Browser)
File availability	Offline access possible	Requires internet connection
Read-only attribute source	Local file system or sync metadata	SharePoint permissions or checkout status
Edit without checkout	Possible if checkout is not required	Possible if checkout is not required
Permission enforcement	Synced permissions may lag	Real-time permission checks
File locking by other users	Locked file appears read-only	Locked file shows lock icon

After applying the steps above, you can now edit files that were previously read-only in your synced SharePoint library. Next, review the checkout requirements for your library to prevent future occurrences. An advanced tip is to use the SharePoint Admin Center to set a library-level policy that disables checkout for all users, which eliminates the most common cause of read-only files in synced environments.