Upgraded to Windows 11 a few days ago, an issue I'm facing so far is quick renaming files/folders.
I would have to go to "Show More Options" > Rename usually. Why is there no rename in the main menu when I right click on this folder?
Problems with renaming in Windows 11
I was mad at Windows 11 FOR LITERAL YEARS because Microsoft put the Rename file option behind the "show more options" menu...
Windows 11 File Manager, can't rename correct folder or filename
RENAMING FILES IN BULK ON WINDOWS 11
Videos
It was right there, on the top. The whole time. The WHOLE time. I don't know how to process this.
This is a known Windows 11 bug. Here's another discussion about it:
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/when-i-try-to-rename-a-drive-file-explorer-renames-the-one-above-it-instead.13760/
As far as I know, Microsoft has not acknowledged or addressed the issue.
Please report it via the Feedback Hub (⊞-F).
For now, you can fix the issue by changing the Windows 11 right-click menu back to the classic right-click menu. That can be done with a simple registry setting. It's also an option in WinSetView.
Hi Ronald,
I'm Christine, an Independent Advisor and a Windows user like you. I can see here that you're unable to rename files or folder from File explorer. No worries, I'll do my best to help you.
May I know when did the issue start? Is there any changes made?
Is it happening on specific folder or any files or folder?
Please check and follow the steps below:
- Please try to right click the file, select properties and you check if you will be able to rename the file there.
- Refresh explorer.exe
On Windows 11:
Right click on start menu and choose Task Manager
Click Details Tab and end the task of explorer.exe
Then click Run New Task and type explorer.exe and hit enter
- Update Windows
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/upd...
Please let me know the result. I'll be happy to assist you all the way until it's resolved.
Thank you,
Christine L
Independent Advisor
I cannot recreate that problem. The folder stays open for me. There may be some specific variables involved. A screenshot could provide some valuable clues.
As a test, please try pressing F2 after highlighting the files. Does that initiate the rename or does it also cause the folder to close?
Also try doing the same multi-file rename using the Windows 10 style Explorer. You can open the old Explorer by first opening the Control Panel and then click the Up icon once or twice (depends on your starting Control Panel view). Once you've got the old Explorer open, navigate to the same folder and try the multi-file rename. Does that work?
P.S. If you are interested in looking at third-party bulk rename tools, the one I recommend is Bulk Rename Utility.
What you want: the Bulk Rename utility in PowerToys.
The Rename remains on the main context menu, but it has been moved to the top/bottom zone of the menu, and no longer displays text (just a pictogram) unless you hover the mouse over it.
The icon should look like a rectangle with an I-Bar cursor inside.
Ironically, the "Undo Rename" context menu entry which appears after you have renamed an item appears as a standard context menu entry with a small icon and text.
If you do just wish to revert the context menu to the win10 version, there are a number of options involving either registry changes, or tweak applications as @moab indicated.
Rename is now an easily overlooked icon on top of the first context menu in Windows 11. Look again! My feelings of insanity and frustration immediately turned into wowed blushing face. :)
Hi Amelia. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.
It shows here that right click Rename should still work in File Explorer:
https://websiteforstudents.com/how-to-rename-a-...
See how to repair or edit to show more options in Windows 11 Right click menu:
https://nerdschalk.com/how-to-fix-windows-11-ri...
https://www.howtogeek.com/759559/how-to-find-mi...
https://www.pcgamer.com/windows-11-context-menu...
Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.
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I went to the Start Menu and clicked on File Explorer. It opened and "Quick access "was highlighted in the left side of the screen. With this highlighted no Folder shown under "Folders" section can be renamed with a Rename clickable.. When you right click on one of the folders, click on "show more options" at the bottom of the drop down menu and you will see no Rename option available... can rename under properties as you said.
Now on the left side of the screen click on Documents or wherever you know their are folders (such a "This PC"). Right click on one of the folders and select "show more options" and you should see a Rename option on the drop down. Maybe MS needs to add a rename option in File Explorer "Quick Access".
Don't know if this helps but that's what I see...
Every so often a user in my domain envronment will not be able to rename files or folders. The F2 key does nothing, nor does right-clicking and choosing Rename. They can right click and go to Properties and change the name there. A reboot takes care of it.
I have not yet figured out what could be causing this, so I’m curious to know if anyone else has seen it.
Never knew F2 did that, so thanks for that tidbit.
I’m curious to know what happens if you restart explorer.exe.
Grab a linux live-cd and use that.
Have you tried using the short filenames version of its name? Eg
ren whereh~1.ogg where.ogg
If it's the only file in the current folder that starts with the first few letters, then use the first 6 letters of the name (ignoring spaces) followed by a tilde (~) then a 1.