Fix: Can’t Rename Folder Issue in Windows 11/10: 5 Ways

You Can’t Rename Folder issue in Windows 11 to show how their contents have changed. You can also change the names of files and folders in Windows 11 to fix mistakes you made when you first named them. But in Windows 11, you should only change the names of files and folders that you made.

Windows programs use a lot of the files and folders on your computer. If you changed these names, those programs might stop working. You could even accidentally turn off Windows! But if you made the file or folder, you can be sure that you can change its name. you can visit Microsoft support center for further help.

To change the name of a file or folder in Windows 11, open File Explorer and click on the file or folder you want to change. Then, on the Ribbon at the top of the window, click the “Rename” button. When you do this, the name of the selected file or folder is highlighted and a thin border is put around it.

Solve: Can’t Rename Folder Issue in Windows 11/10

Run SFC and DISM

Windows System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) are built-in tools that can scan for and fix corrupted system files. Since the problem with renaming could be caused by a broken system file, running these scans could help. Check out our guide to learn how to run SFC and DISM on your PC.

Restart File Explorer

You may also encounter the error in question because of some kind of glitch in File Explorer. The best way to resolve this issue, in that case, is by simply restarting the File Explorer from the Task Manager. Launch Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), look for File Explorer, right-click on it and select Restart. Your Taskbar may go invisible for a while, but after some time, it will reappear and hopefully, allow you to rename folders.

Try Handle

Handle is a Microsoft program that allows the user to search for open files and directories. It is a program that shows the user information related to open handles, directories, and files. So, if there is a file inside the folder you need to rename, use Handle to check them and you can pretty easily close those programs to resolve the issue. To download Handle or to know more about it, go to docs.microsoft.com.

Check if you have permission to alter the folder

1. Right-click on the folder and go to Properties.
2. Go to the Security tab and check if you, the user, have all the required permissions
3. If you don’t have Full Control, just click on Edit and give it Full Control.
4. Finally, click Apply > Ok.

Perform a Clean Boot

1. Press Windows + R to bring up the Run dialog box.
2. Type msconfig and press enter.
3. Click the Services tab.
4. Navigate to Hide All Microsoft Services and click on the check box.
5. Also, click on Disable All
6. Click on the tab Startup > Click on Open Task Manager.
7. You will be redirected to a list of third-party apps installed on your PC.
8. Right-click on any third-party app and click Disable in the pop-up menu

Reasons Why You Can’t Rename Folder on Windows 11

• File or Folder in Use: If the file or folder you’re trying to rename is currently in use by any other application, the renaming process will be blocked until the application releases the file/folder.
• File/Folder Permission: In Windows 11, file/folder permissions control who can access, modify or delete a file/folder. If you don’t have the necessary permissions to rename a file or folder, you won’t be able to do so.
• Corrupted System Files: Windows 11 operating system is made up of many interconnected system files. If any of these files are corrupted, it can lead to issues like the inability to rename folders.
• Antivirus or Firewall Software: Sometimes, antivirus or firewall software installed on your PC can prevent the renaming of folders or files. This can happen when the software considers renaming a potential security threat.