Moreover, there may be unauthorized files or open files that you might not be able to edit with normal procedures. In any case, we recommend you read this article to find different methods on how to rename a folder or file in Windows 11.
Ways to Rename Folders or Files in Windows 11
Before moving to renaming any file or folder, you should be sure that renaming won’t cause issues while functioning other applications/processes. Some processes may rely on the name of the folder/file to access them, and renaming will adversely affect it. Moreover, changing or removing an extension may also make the file inaccessible. With that said, different methods to rename your files and folders have been listed below.
With Single-Click
A very easy method to rename your file would be to click on the file name and edit it. The steps to do so have been mentioned below:
From Context Menu
The method we are all familiar with is manually changing the name from the contextual menu, which lists an option to Rename the file. The steps for which are listed below:
Using Keyboard Shortcut
Windows operating system assigns F2 as the default shortcut key to initiate renaming a file. To rename a file/folder using the shortcut key, follow the steps below:
From Properties
The Windows contextual menu has an option listed as Properties, which has various information related to the selected folder/file. And you can rename any file or folder from there as well. The steps to do which will include the following:
With Windows Explorer Toolbar
File Explorer has always provided various sorting and editing tools on its toolbar section. But you might be unaware of the rename tool because of the new/confusing logo. Yet, you can follow the steps below to rename a file/folder using the very rename tool:
Using CMD
Renaming a file or folder can also be done using Command Prompt on Windows. The command rename can also be used as ren to edit the name. The steps would follow: Or
Using Powershell
Corresponding to the rename of the command prompt, Powershell has got its own Rename-Item command for file/folder renaming purposes. You can go with the following steps to accomplish it: Or Rename-Item <Filename.extension or folder name> <new-name.extension>
How to Rename Inaccessible (requiring admin access) Files?
Some files/folders may not have access or controls to edit from the user account you are logged into. So, you can take ownership and full control of a file/folder using Command Prompt. The steps for that are as follows:
How to Rename File/folder in Use?
Most of the operations/processes running in the background are closed in the Safe Mode of Windows. It also provides a session with good access and control over files. So, you can also rename most of the open and unauthorized files after booting into safe mode. The steps to Enter boot mode include the following:
How to Batch Rename Files on Windows 11?
If you have a lot of files that need to be renamed, you can do that using various methods and for various edit conditions like changing extensions, putting special characters, adding sequential numbers, etc. Incorporating everything would make this article extensively long, so we have prepared a comprehensive article on how to batch rename files.
