Why am I unable to rename a folder in Windows 11?

After some research, we have found some of the most common reasons that would restrict you from renaming folders in Windows 11.

There is a glitch in the current Windows update: Chances are that there is a bug in the Windows update installed on your PC that is causing the problem. Issues with the Windows Explorer: If the Windows Explorer or File Explorer itself is experiencing some issues then it will misbehave and trigger errors such as not allowing you to rename folders. The folder is already in use: If you are using the folder or it is open in another window, then you won’t be able to rename it. Your PC is infected with a virus: Often malware and viruses tend to restrict user input on a PC, which could be the reason you aren’t able to rename the folder in Windows 11. You don’t own the folder: If you are not the admin of the folder, then you won’t be able to rename the folder. Controlled Folder Access feature is enabled: Controlled Folder Access feature lets you protect an important folder from anyone making changes to it. Chances are this feature is turned on and preventing you from making the changes.

How can I fix unable to rename a folder in Windows 11 issue?

Here’s what you should do first:

Make sure that the folder that you wish to rename or modify isn’t open in the background or another window. Simply close all the Windows Explorer processes and go to the folder, right-click on it and select Rename. You should also check and make sure that any file inside the folder isn’t opened.

1. Disable Controlled Folder Access

2. Take ownership of the folder

Having the necessary privileges ensures that you can move, delete or rename the folder in question. You can easily get admin access to the folder by following the above steps.

3. Scan your PC for virus

Do note that the Windows Security antivirus tool is limited in features and often it is found that it isn’t as effective as dedicated antivirus software. So, we would suggest you check out our list of the best antivirus software that you can use on your Windows 11 PC and see if this fixes the issue or not.

4. Check for Windows updates

You should make sure that you are running the latest available version of the Windows OS to make sure everything runs perfectly fine without any issues. SPONSORED

5. Restart the Windows Explorer process

Often due to multiple opened instances, Windows Explorer can misbehave. In such a case, it is better to restart the process and start from scratch.

6. Run SFC Scan

You can use the SFC Scan tool to fix missing or corrupt system files. While this is effective, it isn’t as effective as a dedicated third-party tool. We would recommend you use the Restoro tool. Using Restoro, not only you will be able to fix corrupt system files, but fix BSOD errors, fix damaged DLLs, and system crashes, remove spyware and malware, and much more.

How to force rename a folder in Windows 11?

That is it from us in this guide. If File Explorer is crashing or freezing in Windows 11, then you should check out our guide and fix the problem. We also have a guide that will help you to delete files with a long name without any issues. You can also check out our guide that will help you disable the auto arrange in folders on Windows PC. Feel free to let us know in the comments below, which one of the above-listed solutions helped you resolve the unable to rename a folder on Windows 11 PC.

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