How to Change the Default New Folder Name in Windows 11 Whether you want to streamline your workflow or simply personalize your system, Windows allows you to customize the default new folder name in several ways. In this video, we’ll walk through four methods to do so, from registry changes to group policies. Before we begin, be sure to subscribe to NinjaOne’s IT Video Hub and our YouTube channel for more tech content like this. Why Change the Default New Folder Name? By default, Windows names every new folder “New folder.” But if you’re managing lots of files or overseeing multiple users in an environment, renaming folders repeatedly can slow you down. By modifying the folder naming template, you can speed up your workflow, enforce naming consistency, reduce repetitive tasks, and support organizational standards. Let's explore your options. How to Change the Default New Folder Name in Windows 11 Method 1 — Using the Registry Editor Before you begin, always create a backup of your registry to avoid accidental misconfigurations. First, press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter. Navigate to this path— HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Explorer —and look for a key named NamingTemplates. If it doesn’t exist, right-click Explorer, select New and then Key, and name it so. Inside it, find a string value called RenameNameTemplate. Once more, if you don’t see it, create one by selecting New and then String Value. Double-click it and enter your preferred default folder name. Avoid invalid characters. Then restart Windows Explorer or your device. Method 2 — Using Command Prompt If you prefer automation or want to make the change quickly across multiple devices, Command Prompt offers a simple scripting option. Simply run this command... and replace Untitled Folder with your desired name before restarting Windows Explorer. Method 3 — Using PowerShell PowerShell provides even greater flexibility, especially when applying settings to one or more user profiles outside of Group Policy environments. Just run the following commands... Again, swap out Untitled Folder for the name you want. Method 4 — Using Group Policy Lastly, if you're managing a domain-joined environment, you can enforce a default folder name with Group Policy. Start by opening gpmc.msc, right-clicking your target OU or domain, and creating a new GPO. Edit the GPO and navigate to this location: User Configuration > Preferences > Windows Settings > Registry Here, create a new registry item with the following values... When you’re done, force a Group Policy update on the OU. This ensures every user in the organization receives the new default naming template. In the end, using any of the methods outlined in this video is a small change that can make a big impact on productivity, whether you’re a solo user or managing a large environment. For more information, check out our official blog post on changing the default new folder name in Windows 11, linked in the description below.