How to Rename Folders in Windows 11

1Rename Using Keyboard Shortcut

The quickest way to rename folders in Windows 11 is by using the F2 keyboard shortcut. After selecting the folder you want to change, simply press the F2 key, and you’ll be able to type in the new name directly.

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

If you prefer using your mouse, you can rename folders in Windows 11 with a simple single-click method. Just select the folder, then click its name again slowly, and the text will become editable so you can type your new folder name.

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

Renaming folders in Windows 11 is easy using the 🖱️ right-click menu. Just right-click the folder you want to rename, select ‘Rename’ from the options that appear, and then type in the new name before pressing Enter.

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)

For advanced users, renaming folders in Windows 11 can be done quickly using PowerShell, especially when you need to change many folder names at once. You’ll open PowerShell and type a specific command, providing the current and new names for the folder.

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)

Similar to PowerShell, you can also rename folders in Windows 11 using Command Prompt, which is another text-based method for advanced users. After opening Command Prompt, you’ll use a simple ‘ren’ command to change the folder’s name by specifying its path and the new name.

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!