How to Rename Folders in Windows 11

This article explains how to rename folders in Windows 11.

In Windows, a folder is a container used to store files and other folders. It provides a way to organize and manage files on a computer. Folders can be used to group related files together or to keep different types of files separate.

Users can rename folders in Windows to make them unique. There are many ways to do this, and for many reasons.

Learning how to create folders in Windows can be useful for organizing and managing files on your computer. By creating folders, you can group related files and keep different types of files separate. This can make it easier to find specific files when needed and help you avoid clutter on your desktop or in your file explorer.

The new name can’t contain the following characters when renaming folders: \ / : * ? ” < > |

Below are some methods one can use to rename folders in Windows.

Use keyboard shortcut

1. Open File Explorer and select the folder you want to rename
2. Press the F2 key
3. Type in name in the folder name field and press Enter

Use a single click

1. Open File Explorer
2. Select the folder you want to rename
3. Perform a single click with the mouse on the folder name and type a name when highlighted

Use the File Explorer command bar

One can rename a file using the File Explorer command bar.

1. Open File Explorer
2. Select the file you want to rename
3. Click the Rename button on the command bar
4. Type a new name in the folder name field and press Enter

Use the File Explorer context menu

Another way to rename folders is to use the context menu in File Explorer.

1. Open File Explorer
2. Right-click the folder you want to rename
3. Select the Rename button on the context menu
4. Type a new name and press Enter

You can also select the ‘Show more options ‘on the context menu and click the ‘Rename ‘command on the full context menu.

You can bypass the ‘Show more options‘ by holding the SHIFT key on your keyboard while right-clicking the folder to show the full context menu.

Use PowerShell

You might want to use Windows PowerShell to rename folders.

1. Open Windows Terminal and use the PowerShell tab
2. Specify the full path of the file you want to rename
3. Use the command format below to rename the file

Rename-Item -Path "Full\Path\To\Folder" -NewName "FolderNewName" -Force

Example:

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

Use Command Prompt

If you prefer the command prompt, use the steps below.

1. Open Windows Terminal with the Command Prompt tab
2. Specify the full path of the folder you want to rename
3. Use the command format below to rename the file

ren "Full\Path\To\MyFolder" "FolderNewName"

Example:

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

There might be other methods that are not specified above.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• In Windows 11, renaming folders is essential for organizing and managing files effectively.
• Users can employ various methods to rename folders, including keyboard shortcuts, single-click, File Explorer command bar, context menu, PowerShell, and Command Prompt.
• When renaming folders, it’s important to avoid using certain characters such as \ / : * ? ” < > | in the new folder name.
• Organizing files into properly named folders can streamline file management, facilitate easy retrieval of specific files, and prevent clutter on the desktop or in the file explorer.
• This guide provides comprehensive instructions on how to rename folders in Windows 11, ensuring a more organized and efficient file management system for users.