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Windows 11 home opens files when I rename them. How do I stop this?

Brian Wenning 20 Reputation points
2024-10-15T17:54:57.16+00:00

When I rename a file in my folders, Windows 11 Home automatically opens the file in addition to changing the name. I right-click the file and choose the "rename" icon, change the name, and when I hit enter to accept the new name, two things happen. The name changes (good) and the file opens (unwanted). Now, every time I change a file name, I need to switch from my folder to Adobe and close the file. It's very annoying and slows me down with the excess steps. How do I get Windows 11 to just change the file name without opening the file as well?

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Other
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  1. Wesley Li 11,275 Reputation points
    2024-10-15T18:51:53.3933333+00:00

    Hello

    Renaming a file in Windows 11 should not automatically open the file. Here are a few methods to rename files without opening them:

    Using File Explorer:

    Open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E.

    Navigate to the folder containing the file you want to rename.

    Select the file and press F2 on your keyboard, or right-click the file and select "Rename" from the context menu.

    Type the new name and press Enter.

    Using the Context Menu:

    Right-click the file and select "Rename" from the context menu.

    Type the new name and press Enter.

    Using the Ribbon Menu:

    Select the file and click the "Rename" button on the ribbon at the top of File Explorer.

    Type the new name and press Enter.

    If the file still opens when you rename it, it might be due to a specific setting or a third-party application interfering with the process. You can try the following steps to troubleshoot:

    Check for Third-Party Applications:

    Some third-party applications, like Adobe, might have settings that cause files to open automatically. Check the settings of these applications to see if there is an option to disable this behavior.

    Update Windows and Applications:

    Ensure that your Windows 11 and all applications are up to date. Sometimes, updates can fix unexpected behaviors.

    Check File Associations:

    Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and check the file associations. Make sure that the correct applications are set to open specific file types.

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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