Rename a file - Microsoft Support (2024)

Excel for Microsoft 365 Word for Microsoft 365 PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 Publisher for Microsoft 365 Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 for Mac Excel for the web Word for the web PowerPoint for the web Excel 2021 Word 2021 PowerPoint 2021 Project Professional 2021 Project Standard 2021 Publisher 2021 Visio Professional 2021 Visio Standard 2021 Excel 2021 for Mac Word 2021 for Mac PowerPoint 2021 for Mac Excel 2019 Word 2019 PowerPoint 2019 Project Professional 2019 Project Standard 2019 Publisher 2019 Visio Professional 2019 Visio Standard 2019 Excel 2019 for Mac Word 2019 for Mac PowerPoint 2019 for Mac Excel 2016 Word 2016 PowerPoint 2016 Project Professional 2016 Project Standard 2016 Publisher 2016 Visio Professional 2016 Visio Standard 2016 Excel 2013 Word 2013 PowerPoint 2013 Project Professional 2013 Project Standard 2013 Publisher 2013 Visio Professional 2013 Visio 2013 Excel for iPad Word for iPad PowerPoint for iPad Excel for iPhone Word for iPhone PowerPoint for iPhone Word for Android tablets Excel for Android tablets PowerPoint for Android tablets Publisher 2010 Excel for Android phones PowerPoint for Android phones Project for Office 365 Word for Android phones More...Less

If you'd like to change the nameor locationof a filewithout creating a new copy, follow these steps.

Newer Windows versionsNewer Mac versionsWebOffice for AndroidOffice for iOS

If you're a Microsoft 365 subscriber, then the easiest way to renameor movean Office file is to open the file in your Microsoft 365 desktop application—such as Word—then select the file name on the title bar. In the menu that appears you can rename the file, select a new location to move it to, or see the version history for the file.

Rename a file - Microsoft Support (1)

If the file isn't a Microsoft Office file, or if you're not a Microsoft 365 subscriber, then the easiest way to renameor movea file is to use File Explorer in Windows.

Open File Explorer by going to My Computer, or bypressing Windows Key + E on your keyboard. Find the file you want to rename, select it and selectRename on the ribbon (or press F2 on your keyboard). Type the new name you want the file to have and press Enter.

If you're a Microsoft 365 subscriber, then the easiest way to renameor movean Office file is to open the file in your Microsoft 365 desktop application—such as Word—then selectthe file name on the title bar. In the menu that appears you can rename the file, select a new location to move it to, or see the version history for the file.

Rename a file - Microsoft Support (2)

If the file isn't a Microsoft Office file, or if you're not a Microsoft 365 subscriber, then the easiest way to renameor movea fileon your Mac is to use Finder. Find and select the file, then selectFile > Rename. Type the new nameand press Enter.

Rename a file - Microsoft Support (3)

When you start a new, blank, document in Office for the web, your document gets a name like "Document4" or "Presentation2". To renameor relocatethe document while you’re editing it, select the file name near the top of the browser window, and type the name you want.

Rename a file - Microsoft Support (4)

If nothing happens when you type, check to make sure you’re in Editing view (selectthe View tab andlook for a box that says Viewing or Editing. If it says Viewing, expand the box and select Editing).

Except in PowerPoint for the web, you won’t be able to rename a file if other people are working on it at the same time as you. Wait until you’re the only one in the document, then rename it.

To rename a file in Office on Android, simply open the file in the appropriate Office app (Word, Excel, etc.), then tap the file name at the top of the app. Type the new name you want and then tap Done on the keyboard.

Rename a file - Microsoft Support (5)

You won't be able to rename the file if other people are working on it at the same time as you. Wait until you're the only one in the document, then rename it.

To rename your file in Office on iOS, open your Office app, find your file on the File menu and tap the More button (looks like 3 dots). Select Rename from the context menu, type your new name,and then tap Rename at the top right corner of the dialog box.

Rename a file - Microsoft Support (6)

You won't be able to rename the file if other people are working on it at the same time as you. Wait until you're the only one in the document, then rename it.

For more information

  • Save a file

  • Rename a file, folder, or link in a document library

  • Where to store files

We're listening

If you found this article helpful, and especially if you didn't, please use the feedback controls below to give us constructive ideas on how we can make it better.

Need more help?

Want more options?

Discover Community

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Rename a file - Microsoft Support (7)

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

Rename a file - Microsoft Support (8)

Microsoft 365 training

Rename a file - Microsoft Support (9)

Microsoft security

Rename a file - Microsoft Support (10)

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Rename a file - Microsoft Support (11)

Ask the Microsoft Community

Rename a file - Microsoft Support (12)

Microsoft Tech Community

Rename a file - Microsoft Support (2024)

FAQs

How do I rename a file in Microsoft? ›

Rename a file in File Explorer or OneDrive

Right-click the file and select Rename. Enter a new file name and press Enter.

Why is Windows not letting me change the name of a file? ›

How to Fix the Cannot Rename Files Issue. When you can't rename file in Windows, the first thing you can do is to restart your computer. A reboot can fix lots of issues in the computer. After restarting, you can try to rename the file again.

How will you rename a file answer? ›

Open File Explorer by going to My Computer, or by pressing Windows Key + E on your keyboard. Find the file you want to rename, select it and select Rename on the ribbon (or press F2 on your keyboard). Type the new name you want the file to have and press Enter.

How do you rename a file? ›

Rename a file
  1. On your Android device, open Files by Google .
  2. Tap a category or a storage device. You'll see files from that category in a list.
  3. Select an option below: If you're on Grid view : Press and hold the file. Tap More. . If you're on List view : Next to the file, tap More .
  4. Tap Rename.
  5. Enter a new name.
  6. Tap OK.

Why won't Microsoft Word let me rename a document? ›

A so-called lock file, created as you open a Word document, may have been left behind, preventing you from renaming documents. Restarting Windows should delete the lock file.

How do you rename a file or folder in Windows? ›

How to rename a file or folder
  1. From the Windows desktop, right-click My Computer and select Explore to open Windows Explorer.
  2. Within Explore, locate the file or folder to be renamed. ...
  3. Right-click the file or folder and select Rename.
  4. Type the new name, and then click outside the file or folder name, or press Enter.

Why is my file name too long not able to rename? ›

Microsoft Windows has a MAX_PATH limit of ~256 characters. If the length of the path and filename combined exceed ~256 characters you will be able to see the path/files via Windows/File Explorer, but may not be able to delete/move/rename these paths/files.

What is the Windows command to rename a file? ›

The 'ren' command is used to rename files or folders in CMD. The basic syntax is 'ren oldname newname', where 'oldname' is the current name of the file or folder, and 'newname' is the name you want to change it to.

What cant you name a file on Windows? ›

The following are special characters which cannot be used in a directory or file names in Windows:
  • < (less than)
  • > (greater than)
  • : (colon)
  • “ (double quote)
  • / (forward slash)
  • \ (backslash)
  • | (vertical bar or pipe)
  • ? (question mark)

Which command should you use to rename a file? ›

mv command is used to rename files and directories.

Which option is used to rename the file? ›

To rename a file or folder:

Right-click on the item and select Rename, or select the file and press F2 . Type the new name and press Enter or click Rename.

Which function key allows you to rename a file answer? ›

The correct answer is F2. F2 key Allows you to rename a selected file or folder.

How do I change the file name in Office 365? ›

Rename a document, folder, or link in a document library
  1. Open the document library and hover over the file you want to rename.
  2. Click the ellipses (...) to the right of the item name, and then click Rename.
  3. In the Rename dialog, type the new name into the field, and then click Save.

What is the fastest way to rename a file? ›

Rename in File Explorer

To rename multiple files from File Explorer, select all the files you wish to rename, then press the F2 key. The name of the last file is highlighted. Type the new name you wish to give to every file, then press Enter.

How do I rename a file quickly in Windows? ›

To rename multiple files from File Explorer, select all the files you wish to rename, then press the F2 key. The name of the last file is highlighted. Type the new name you wish to give to every file, then press Enter.

What are the steps in renaming a document? ›

Right click the name of the file or folder you wish to rename. Click Rename (on the menu that opens up). Type a new name for the file and press Enter.

Top Articles
How Do I Win At The Employment Tribunal? – 10 Top Tips -
Browser Compatibility Testing - Testbytes Software
Tattoo Shops Lansing Il
Cars & Trucks - By Owner near Kissimmee, FL - craigslist
O'reilly's Auto Parts Closest To My Location
Danielle Moodie-Mills Net Worth
Fat Hog Prices Today
Goodbye Horses: The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus
Kansas Craigslist Free Stuff
Call Follower Osrs
Mawal Gameroom Download
New Day Usa Blonde Spokeswoman 2022
Tight Tiny Teen Scouts 5
Tripadvisor Near Me
What Is Njvpdi
Bowlero (BOWL) Earnings Date and Reports 2024
Craigslist Edmond Oklahoma
7543460065
Po Box 35691 Canton Oh
Missed Connections Inland Empire
Joann Ally Employee Portal
Vegas7Games.com
Quick Answer: When Is The Zellwood Corn Festival - BikeHike
Unionjobsclearinghouse
Jail View Sumter
Hdmovie2 Sbs
Foolproof Module 6 Test Answers
Cognitive Science Cornell
Soul Eater Resonance Wavelength Tier List
Webworx Call Management
FAQ's - KidCheck
Delta Rastrear Vuelo
How To Make Infinity On Calculator
Wega Kit Filtros Fiat Cronos Argo 1.8 E-torq + Aceite 5w30 5l
Kokomo Mugshots Busted
Of An Age Showtimes Near Alamo Drafthouse Sloans Lake
Whas Golf Card
42 Manufacturing jobs in Grayling
Indiefoxx Deepfake
KITCHENAID Tilt-Head Stand Mixer Set 4.8L (Blue) + Balmuda The Pot (White) 5KSM175PSEIC | 31.33% Off | Central Online
Buhsd Studentvue
Wal-Mart 2516 Directory
Captain Billy's Whiz Bang, Vol 1, No. 11, August, 1920&#10;America's Magazine of Wit, Humor and Filosophy
Busted Newspaper Campbell County KY Arrests
Paperlessemployee/Dollartree
2294141287
Kate Spade Outlet Altoona
Myapps Tesla Ultipro Sign In
Shannon Sharpe Pointing Gif
Island Vibes Cafe Exeter Nh
Comenity/Banter
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Patricia Veum II

Last Updated:

Views: 6017

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Patricia Veum II

Birthday: 1994-12-16

Address: 2064 Little Summit, Goldieton, MS 97651-0862

Phone: +6873952696715

Job: Principal Officer

Hobby: Rafting, Cabaret, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Inline skating, Magic, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.