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Unable to Rename a Folder in Windows 11: How to Force it

Restart the Windows Explorer process or install the latest update

5 min. read

Updated onMarch 29, 2024

updated onMarch 29, 2024

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Key notes

There are some users that have reported that they are unable to rename a folder in Windows 11. The users confirm that the context menu disappears not allowing them to rename the folder. Else, they are treated with an error message.

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.

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

Here’s what you should do first:

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 ourlist of the best antivirus softwarethat 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.

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 adedicated third-party repair tool.

How to force rename a folder in Windows 11?

That is it from us in this guide. IfFile 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 todelete files with a long namewithout any issues. You can also check out our guide that will help youdisable 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.

Unable to Rename a Folder in Windows 11: How to Force it#

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

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

1. Disable Controlled Folder Access#

2. Take ownership of the folder#

3. Scan your PC for virus#

4. Check for Windows updates#

5. Restart the Windows Explorer process#

6. Run SFC Scan#

How to force rename a folder in Windows 11?#