Renaming files on Windows can be easy and intuitive, though there are a few potential obstacles to consider. This tutorial will focus on how to rename a single file on a computer running a version of the Windows operating system.
Step 1: Locate the File
The first step in renaming a file is to find it in Windows Explorer. To open Windows Explorer, press the Windows and E keys simultaneously, or search for “File Explorer” in the Windows Start Menu. Once Windows Explorer is open, locate the folder where your file is located, then double-click the folder to open it. Click the correct file once to select it.
Step 2: Rename the File
Once the file is selected, click on the file’s name to highlight it. Alternatively, you can right-click on the file and select “Rename” from the pop-up menu that appears. Once the name is highlighted, you can begin typing in the new file name. To apply your changes, press the Enter key on the keyboard or click away from the file.
Step 3: Check for File Name Conventions
Before you finish renaming the file, it is important to check for any restrictions related to file names. Windows does have some limitations when it comes to renaming a file, including what characters are allowed and how long the file name can be.
For example, a file name cannot include any of the following characters: \ / : * ? ” < > |
Additionally, the total length of a file name (including the extension) cannot exceed 255 characters.
If the new file name you want to use exceeds the character limit, try making it shorter by using fewer words or skipping spaces between words. It is also worth noting that Windows file names are case-insensitive, which means that the name “Example” is the same as “example” or “eXaMpLe”.
Step 4: Save the Changes
Once the new file name is within the Windows character limits and includes only valid characters, you can save the changes by pressing the Enter key or clicking away from the file. Your file is now renamed and should appear with its new name when you view the folder’s contents.
Renaming files in Windows is a simple process if you are aware of any potential character or file name length restrictions. With a few clicks and a couple of keystrokes, you can easily change the name of any file on your computer.