Attrib Command

The attrib command displays, sets, or removes attributes assigned to files or directories. These attributes control how the operating system interacts with files—making them read-only to prevent editing, hiding them from view, or marking them as system files.

Usage:attrib

[+|-attribute]

[drive:][path]filename

[/s /d]

+r / -r

Sets (+) or removes (-) Read-only attribute.

+h / -h

Sets (+) or removes (-) Hidden attribute.

+s / -s

Sets (+) or removes (-) System attribute.

Processes matching files in the current folder and all subfolders.

Processes folders as well (requires /s).

Common Attributes

Read-only (R): Prevents the file from being modified or deleted.
Hidden (H): Hides the file from standard directory listings (though dir /a will still show it).
System (S): Marks the file as a critical system file.

Real-World Examples

1. Making a file Read-only

Protect an important document from accidental changes.

Command Prompt

C:\Users\User>attrib +r crucial_data.txt

Check the attribute:

Command Prompt

C:\Users\User>attrib crucial_data.txt

2. Hiding a private folder

Hide a folder from casual view.

Command Prompt

C:\Users\User>attrib +h SecretFolder

3. Removing all attributes from all files in a folder

Useful when recovering files from a backup that might have weird permissions set.

Command Prompt

C:\Users\User>attrib -r -h -s *.* /s

Knowledge Check

1 / 3

Which flag makes a file Read-Only?