How to Rename Folders in Windows 11

1Rename Using Keyboard Shortcut

Why use this method? This is the fastest way to rename a folder.

You’ll need: Open 📁 File Explorer open on your computer.

1. Find the folder you want to rename.
2. Click the folder once to select it.
3. Press the F2 key on your keyboard.
4. Type the new name for the folder.
5. Press Enter.

2Rename With a Single Click

Why use this method? This method uses your mouse instead of keyboard shortcuts.

You’ll need: Open 📁 File Explorer open on your computer.

1. Click the folder you want to rename once to select it.
2. Click the folder name text once more (slowly). The name becomes editable.
3. Type the new name.
4. Press Enter.

3Rename Using 📁 File Explorer Command Bar

Why use this method? The command bar shows you a clear Rename button.

You’ll need: Open 📁 File Explorer open on your computer.

1. Select the folder you want to rename.
2. Click the Rename button on the top command bar.
3. Type the new folder name.
4. Press Enter.

4Rename Using 🖱️ Right-Click Menu

Why use this method? Right-clicking gives you a menu with many options.

1. Open 📁 File Explorer.
2. 🖱️ Right-click on the folder you want to rename.
3. Click Rename from the menu.
4. Type the new name.
5. Press Enter.

Tip: If a smaller menu appears, click Show more options to see the full list, including ‘Rename.’ You can also hold down the SHIFT key while right-clicking to bring up the complete menu immediately.

5Rename Using PowerShell (for advanced users)

Why use this method? This method shines when you need to rename a bunch of folders all at once.

What happens: You type a command. PowerShell renames the folder for you.

⚠️ Admin privileges required

1. Open Windows Terminal and select the PowerShell tab.
2. Type the following command. Replace the text in quotes with your folder’s full path and the new name you want.

Rename-Item -Path "FullPathToFolder" -NewName "NewFolderName" -Force

Example:

Rename-Item -Path "C:\Users\UserName\Downloads\MyFolder" -NewName "FolderNewName" -Force

6Rename Using Command Prompt (for advanced users)

Why use this method? Command Prompt is another way to rename folders using text commands.

What happens: You type a command. Command Prompt renames the folder for you.

⚠️ Admin privileges required

1. Open Windows Terminal with the Command Prompt tab.
2. Type the command below. Replace the folder path and new name with yours.

ren "FullPathToMyFolder" "NewFolderName"

Example:

ren "C:\Users\UserName\Downloads\MyFolder" "FolderNewName"

Summary

• Renaming folders helps keep your files organized and easy to find.
• You can rename folders by pressing F2, clicking twice slowly, using the command bar, or using the 🖱️ right-click menu.
• Advanced users can rename folders using PowerShell or Command Prompt. Both require admin privileges.
• Remember not to use these characters in folder names: / : * ? " < > |
• Organizing folders well makes your computer easier to use and keeps things tidy.
• Now you know several easy ways to rename your folders in Windows 11!