User profile for user: co1indarby
co1indarby Author
User level: Level 1
30 points

Files are turning read only when dragging to desktop.

This has been happening for a while now, certainly since I updated to Sequoia.


When I drag files from the below areas, they sometimes turn read only. I can't change the name of the filename and the OS says they will be deleted immediately when command-deleting them.


When I Cmd-I the document: The permissions are correct for my account (Read-Write), Staff (Read only), Everyone (Read only)


Dragging attachments from Mail to Desktop -> the files are always read only.

Saving attachments from mail to Desktop -> the files aren't read only.


Dragging from iCloud to Desktop -> When dragging (i.e. moving) to Desktop they aren't read only.

However when I Opt-drag to make a copy to desktop, they are always read only.


This is causing me major problems and I've lost files due to this (as I'm used to seeing the 'deleted immediately' dialog now and I deleted the wrong file).


Any idea what is causing this?



Mac mini (M2 Pro, 2023)

Posted on Dec 4, 2025 2:58 AM

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7 replies
User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
90,706 points

Dec 4, 2025 9:42 AM in response to co1indarby

Three things stand out in your EtreCheckPro report.



1) If you are not planing to Upgrade to Tahoe 26, Update to Sequoia is 15.7.2

What's new in the updates for macOS Sequoia - Apple Support

Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support


2) Your Mac mini has not been restarted in 42 days.

Update/Upgrade and/or at minimum restart in Safe mode.

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support



3) The Write speed of your Mac mini's drive is way down for some reason.

After Updating/Upgrade/Restarting/Safe Mode run a new EtreCheckPro report.

Then if that Write speed does not improve, a drive test using DriveDX may be required.

https://binaryfruit.com/drivedx

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User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
90,706 points

Dec 5, 2025 7:49 AM in response to co1indarby

co1indarby wrote:

Update to 15.7.2.

Good work, keeping your Mac updated is important.

Will try Safe Mode later.

It you have any other issues, I highly recommend using Safe Mode or Disk Utility > First Aid.

Write speed now 2569 MB/s

That is much better.

new system report attached.

You did not mention if the original "drag to desktop file read only" problem is solved or not.

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Files are turning read only when dragging to desktop.

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