Cursor moves to left or selects all text when renaming files in windows explorer. Windows 11

Anonymous
2022-02-01T15:12:11+00:00

Hi,

I am struggling with a new issue in File Explorer. I have recently updated to Windows 11, but I think this issue has started since this version update.

When I try to rename a file or folder in Windows file explorer, I am unable to place my cursor at a particular point in the filename - eg to insert some letters or numbers.

Instead, wherever I place my cursor, within a second, the whole file name has been selected, which means I start typing a new filename from scratch. This is different to how it has previously behaved, and very annoying.

A related issue - when I am renaming a file saving a file from within a program, a slightly different issue occurs. I put my cursor at the end of a filename, eg,to add a new version number to the filename, but the cursor jumps to the left - to the start of the filename.

Any ideas on how to fix this?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

68 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-06-22T04:18:59+00:00

    I find it hard to agree. They force you to log in Windows with your online account, then propose you to sync all your files - including Desktop - on OneDrive. Collecting the data and i am actually too scared to check the terms of use. The least they could do was to allow me to take my time renaming the picture that i saved on my Desktop. I am a paying user, and i have the same issue with my work account as well (and with work account, updates may even take longer).

    With this said, good luck. If i were a developer i would start a lock when the renaming event occurs. But they are the experts.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2024-06-20T23:08:33+00:00

    Please go to the Feedback hub and Upvote this issue: https://aka.ms/AApb7r9. If we get enough upvotes, it WILL be looked at.

    If you aren't comfortable clicking the link above (I wouldn't be):

    1. Go to the Feedback Hub on your PC by either 1. pressing Windows-F or 2. pressing the Windows key, type Feedback, and click the Feedback Hub app
    2. Search for "Renaming file in File Explorer erases name if OneDrive happens to sync at same time"
    3. Click Upvote

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2023-11-29T11:32:47+00:00

    Yeah that works, it's ridiculous that M$ STILL haven't fixed this though. I now put 'cmd' in the path bar and use the 'ren' command. Tab to auto-fill the original name.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2023-10-05T20:34:26+00:00

    Having this same issue for a year now. No solution I can find online. I am forced to use One drive for work so I guess I'm out of luck? Microsoft, please fix this issue if you care about your customers productivity and satisfaction at all!

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2023-09-06T20:22:07+00:00

    So no answer to this question? I guess Microsoft gave up.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments