You may have noticed that at times when renaming or creating a file, Windows gives a warning stating – There is already a file with the same name as the folder name you specified. Because of this, you may fail to create a file or name it correctly. In this post, we are going to talk about this issue and see what you can do to resolve it.
There is already a file with the same name as the folder name you specified. Specify a different name.
Fix There is already a file with the same name as the folder name you specified error in Windos 11/10
If you cannot rename file and you see message There is already a file with the same name as the folder name you specified in Windows 11/10, you can follow the solutions, workarounds, and tips mentioned below.
- Make sure not to use the same name as the folder
- Move the file or folder
- Check if the files or folders are hidden
- End conflicting process
- Carry out the operation in Clean Boot.
Let us discuss them in detail.
1] Make sure not to use the same name as the folder
As mentioned in the error message, you are using the same name for a file and a folder, which is not what Windows approves. This is because Windows treats files and folders as distinct entities, and having the same name causes conflicts. To resolve this, consider renaming the file or folder to ensure they have a unique name. For example, you can add a prefix or suffix or use a completely different name. Always cross-check the names in the directory to confirm there are no duplicates. Renaming ensures smooth functioning and avoids potential errors when accessing or organizing your files and folders.
2] Move the file or folder
If you can’t rename the folder, moving it to a different location can resolve the issue. Follow the steps mentioned below to do this.
- Open the File Explorer and go to the location where you have the file or the folder (depending on who you can afford to move).
- Now, right-click on it and select Cut (Show more options > Cut).
- Navigate to the new destination and hit Ctrl + V to paste it.
Ensure that the target directory does not already contain an item with the same name. This prevents name conflicts without the need for renaming. Moving the file or folder helps keep your files organized and reduces the risk of errors.
3] Check if the files and folder are hidden
If you are not able to find the file or folder to rename or move, they may be hidden. Usually, hidden files are system files, but sometimes, the user manually hides a file and forgets about it. Therefore, we need to check and ensure that there are no hidden files or folders causing issues.
To see and unhide the hidden items, follow the steps below.
- In File Explorer, navigate to the location where you have stored the file.
- Now, click on View > Show > Hidden items.
- The hidden files and folders will be a bit translated, sort of greyed out. To unhide it, right-click on it, select Properties, untick Hidden, and click on Apply > Ok.
Once the file is unhidden, you can rename or move it. However, if the file or folder is unnecessary, you can delete it.
4] End conflicting process
If you are still encountering this after renaming or moving files and folders, adjusting system settings can help resolve the issue. We need to check if some processes or applications are locking the file or folder. To address this, open Task Manager, in the Process tab, and check for any programs or processes that might be using the file or folder. End those tasks if not necessary. You can also restart your computer to clear any lingering locks or system conflicts.
Read: The destination already has a file or contains a folder warning is missing
5] Carry out the operation in Clean Boot
If all else fails and you are not able to find which file or folder is causing this issue, carry out the Rename operation in Clean Boot State.
Hopefully, with the help of this post, you will be able to resolve the issue.
Read: How to rename all File Extensions in a Folder at once
What will happen if you create a file with the same name which already exists in the same location?
If you create a file with the same name in the same location, Windows will prompt you with a message saying the file already exists. It will ask whether you want to replace the existing file, skip creating the new file, or rename the new file. If you choose to replace it, the old file will be overwritten. This ensures there is no duplicate file with the same name in the same folder.
Read:
Can two files have the same name in the same folder?
No, two files cannot have the same name in the same folder because Windows needs unique names to identify each file. If you try to create or copy a file with the same name, Windows will ask if you want to replace the existing file, skip the action, or rename the new file. This prevents confusion and ensures smooth file management. Each file or folder must have a distinct name in the same location.
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