Re: Renaming files: annoying automatic re-selection of entire filename in Windows 8

Anonymous
2020-10-19T14:19:02+00:00

So I think I've found a workaround that doesn't require a third party program. I simply can't reply to the original thread because it's closed, but I think my two cents may help some people since I'm having this problem on Windows 10 nearly seven years later.

It seems that, because I'm trying to rename something on dropbox, that there's a lag between me choosing to rename the file and dropbox recognizing that I'm trying to rename a file. At first, I would wait a few seconds, hit "Home" or the left arrow key, and then work on renaming the file hoping it doesn't happen again, which sometimes it does.

It seems though, that if I hit backspace (when the filename is still initially selected), ctrl+z (to undo deleting the file name), and then home (to get back to the beginning of the file name), I can use the arrow keys to move to the portion I need to rename unmolested, almost like it forces dropbox to recognize that a file is being renamed.

Original thread: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8\_1-files/renaming-files-annoying-automatic-re-selection-of/3e451ce8-282a-4638-88ee-fd9f7cca2536

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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.

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-12-23T17:57:43+00:00

    Maybe it is now - I restarted and it didn't help but I've now uninstalled Media player too and re-started and I think it's working (maybe not every time).

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-12-27T06:53:49+00:00

    using windows 11 here in Dec 2022, problem still persists!

    MS pls fix this

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-01-03T18:22:41+00:00

    I'm also having this same issue on Windows 11. It seems that whenever onedrive is syncing, the whole filename is selected. Every time any information changes with the sync, the filename is selected again.

    It's really obnoxious when I'm trying to change some of a filename and the whole thing is selected again. This leads to me accidentally renaming the whole filename to something ridiculous and not anywhere close to what I had intended. At least pressing esc cancels the rename (if I notice)

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-01-06T00:27:06+00:00

    I also have this problem, and have had it for years. I tried unchecking the Media Features box, which worked for a time, but the issue has returned (after I re-synced my entire OneDrive folder).

    Please MSFT, can you fix this?

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-01-06T23:02:10+00:00

    And in January 2023, the problem is still there :(

    These are two key Microsoft products that are simply not compatible for how many years now...?

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