How to Rename a file in Windows 11

Are you having trouble finding the ‘Rename’ option in Windows 11 File Explorer’s new menu? Don’t worry! In this guide, you’ll learn 3 different ways to rename a file or folder in Windows 11.

Windows 11 has a new interface, a centered taskbar, and redesigned settings, among other big and small improvements. While people have mixed feelings about these changes, Windows 11 as a whole is far more user-friendly.

One of the most noticeable differences (from earlier versions of Windows) is the lack of a ‘Rename’ option in the context menu when right-clicking on a file or folder. The context menu in Windows 11 has been redesigned, decluttered, and, to be honest, it now looks a lot better. So, in Windows 11, how do you rename a file or folder?

Some things to keep in mind while renaming files and folders in Windows 11:

1. When you rename a file or folder, just the name is changed. The content of the file or folder will remain the same.
2. If a file or folder is open or being accessed by a program or another user, you cannot rename it.
3. You can not use certain characters in the file or folder name. These includes,  / : * ? ” < > |
4. You may rename several files and folders at the same time, however, this is not advised since all of the files and folders will have the same name and a number given to them.

Rename a File or Folder in Windows 11

There are several ways to rename a file or folder in Windows and here are the methods:

Method 1. Rename a File using Rename Icon in Context Menu

• To rename a file or folder, right-click on it and select the Rename icon next to the copy icon.

• Type the new name and press enter to save the changes.

Method 2. Rename Using Folder using Show More Options

• To rename a file or folder, right-click on it and select Show more options.

• Now, click Rename.

• Type the new name and press enter to save the changes.

Method 3. Rename a File/Folder using Keyboard Shortcut

• Select a file or folder and then press F2 or FN+F2.
• Type the new name and press enter to save the changes.

Method 4. Rename Using Folder Properties

Right-click on the folder, choose to Show more options and then select properties.

The folder properties window will pop up. In the General tab, type a new folder name and then select OK.

Method 5. Rename a File from File Explorer Command Bar

The ‘Rename’ icon, as well as other icons, may be found in the new command bar in Windows 11. The top command bar has a number of useful choices, making it much easier to navigate among them.

To rename a file from the command bar at the top, select the file and then click on the ‘Rename’ icon in the ‘Command Bar’.

That’s it. These were the 5 best methods to rename a file or folder in Windows 11.

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