Sometimes if the folder is in use, then you cannot rename it. Also, if Windows Explorer has some issue in it, such as a bug, then there may be an issue in renaming the files. Again, if the controlled folder access has been enabled, then you may not make changes to the folders on a PC. Often in an office, only the network admin or the manager has permission to make changes to a folder. Not everyone can rename a folder. Even having viruses or malware on your PC can stop you from renaming a folder in windows 11.
Tips to Fix Cannot Rename Folders on Windows 11
Let us begin the troubleshooting to fix folders not renaming on Windows PC.
1. Update Windows 11
To fix any bug issues, install any new update that may be available for Windows 11.
2. Restart the Windows Explorer
To fix any glitch in Windows Explorer, you can restart it. Follow the steps below.
3. Is the Folder in Use?
Before you attempt to rename any folder, close them if they are already in use. You won’t be allowed to rename a folder if it is open for any program on Windows OS. This applies to any folder that may be present on your PC hard drive or connected to your computer through an external USB drive.
4. The Folder is Present in an External Drive
When you insert an external drive to the PC and use a folder from that, the folder may still show on the recently accessed folder section under Windows Explorer. This is when you have ejected the external drive already. Now, if you click on that said folder, it will open a blank folder as its host; the external device has been removed. In such a condition, you cannot rename a folder unless you have copied it to the PC or the USB storage is still connected.
5. Scan your PC for Viruses
Maybe your PC is infected with computer viruses or malware. It is a common reason for not being able to rename folders on Windows 11. You will randomly see that a folder randomly acts buggy, and you are unable to rename it. Although Windows Defender is smart enough to know the malware presence on your PC, you can manually search for it too. Here is how to do it.
6. Perform a Clean Boot
The issue of bugs and other system processes getting corrupted usually happens when you install several third-party apps on the PC. To fix that, you can perform a clean boot on Windows 11. Once the above steps are done, restart your computer. Now, try to rename the folders on it. It should work without any issues.
7. Manage Ownership of a Folder
Here is how you can change the ownership of the folder.
8. Disable Controlled Folder Access on Windows 11
Controlled folder Access is a good feature on Windows 11 to stop anyone from making changes to a folder. You need to disable it on your PC if you want to take control of the folders and rename them.
Conclusion
To keep the data on your PC in organized manner and to make accessibility easier, you should be able to name or rename your folders. On Windows 11, if you are not able to rename the folders, follow the tips I have shared in this guide. You can fix the issues in no time. If you’ve any thoughts on How to Fix Unable to Rename Folders on Windows 11?, then feel free to drop in below comment box. Also, please subscribe to our DigitBin YouTube channel for videos tutorials. Cheers!
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