How to Rename Drive Labels in Windows 11

Richard
Written byRichardTech Writer, IT Professional
Aug 11, 2022 Updated Apr 16, 2026 2 min read

Windows gives every drive on your computer a name. This helps you tell your hard drive apart from a USB flash drive. You can change these names to make them easier to recognize.

Why rename your drives?

Renaming drives helps you stay organized. It makes it easier to find the right storage device when you have many plugged in at once.

What happens when done?

Once you rename a drive, the new name will appear everywhere in Windows, including File Explorer and the Settings app. This change does not affect your files.

Note: You must have administrator privileges to perform these steps.

We showed you how to mount a folder as a drive in Windows. You can use this method to rename the drive label.

Renaming a drive using File Explorer

This is the fastest way to change a name.

  1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Win+E keys on your keyboard.
  2. Find the drive you want to rename.
  3. Right-click the drive and select Rename, or press F2.
Windows 11 context menu for renaming drive

  1. Type your new name and press Enter.
Windows 11 text box for entering new drive label

  1. If a window pops up asking for permission, click Continue.
Prompt for changing drive label in Windows 11

Alternatively, right-click the drive and select Properties. Type a new name under the General tab and click OK.

Windows 11 settings for changing volume label

Renaming a drive using Settings

You can also use the Windows Settings app app to change drive names.

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
Updated Windows 11 start menu settings interface

  1. Click System on the left, then click Storage on the right.
Windows 11 system storage management tile

  1. Click Advanced storage settings to see more options.
Advanced storage settings in Windows 11

  1. Select Disks & volumes.
Windows 11 disks and volumes management tile

  1. Click on the drive you want to change, then click the Properties button.
Properties window for disk and volume in Windows 11

  1. Click the Change label button.
Settings screen for changing drive label in Windows 11

  1. Type your new name in the box and click Apply.
New drive label entered in Windows 11

Summary

Renaming your drives in Windows 11 is a simple way to keep your files organized. You can change names using File Explorer or the Windows Settings app. Remember that NTFS drives allow 32 characters, while FAT32 drives are limited to 11 characters. You cannot rename CD or DVD drives.

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About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

Expertise:Windows 11Ubuntu LinuxCMSApps and Browsers
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2 responses to “How to Rename Drive Labels in Windows 11”

  1. […] the next window, type in a Label (what you want to call the partition), choose a Drive letter, File System, and click the Format […]

  2. […] the drive a name name (label) you like (example: “My […]

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