Photoshop don't allow me to rename a file even after closing it.

[Ronivan]

I know someone have opened a request on this issue, but since it for some reason haven't got anything as close to a proper solution, here we goes again.

1º - I Open a file in Photoshop.

2º - Edited the file.

3º - Saved the file and closed the file; Photoshop still open but has no file currently being open in it.

4º - Proceed to rename the folder which the file I edited in Photoshop, saved and closed is.

5º - Windows won't allow me to rename the folder, saying it still open.

6º - Closed Photoshop completely.

7º - Now finally I can rename the folder.

I'm using Windows 10 ( Completely updated, I checked before posting here ), and using Photoshop completely updated ( again, I checked if it was before posting here ).

What I want: I want to be able to rename my file folder without having going the trouble of closing Photoshop everytime I do so. I have over 500+ folders, each with one picture I need to do something, and afterwards rename the folder. It is already a time consuming job, and if I have to close and open photoshop everytime I have to rename a folder, it will become even more time consuming, to not say annoying. Also let us be very objective here; I'm not looking for half-measures like using multiple folders A and B to kind circuvent this issue, no. I want a proper soluation, I just want to close a file in Photoshop and rename its folder; simple, easy and as any other image editing program allows me to do.

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

Hi @Ronivan I'm going to take a guess that your files are on a server or you are using a cloud based sync service like Google Drive or Dropbox?

[Ronivan]

And here I thought I included all information. No, my files are on my pc and my pc only, no cloud, no driver, no anything, just my pc, simple as that. I fear someone will ask about some other feature that I may have not included, and this will carry one foverever without any solution.

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

Hi @Ronivan the only additional item is are you running your Windows account as an Administrator? Try going to the Photoshop.exe -shift+Right-Click and choose "Run as Administrator" try opening, saving then renaming a folder without closing PS - same issue?

There is no reason to fear someone asking questions for clarity while trying to determine a cause since this is a unique issue.

[Ronivan]

Yes I have total adminstrator rights. You know, the point that I said that only if I close the Photoshop is when I'm allowed to rename the folder already answered all you questions. If it was not the case, I would not be allowed to rename the folder in any condition as you presented.

[Klaus5F8D]

Hello All,

the above described issue seams to get no answers. I reply / post here in hopes that it will be picked up again.

I have the same observation:

A file gets edited in PS, saved and closed. PS is still running but NO file open. Now I want to move the previous edited and saved file to another location or rename in Windows Explorer - But I get the message: "File is still open in another program" ...??? So - I have to close PS and only now can I move or rename the file.

I'm not on a server, no cloud saving or backup - just on this machine.

I also tried to close various Adobe background upps running in Task Manager ... to no avail.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[musekic]

Same here. Still a problem in 2025. It's maddening.

The same issue exists in adobe illustrator. I wish Adobe cared more about our time.

Deleting the Adobe Crash Processor works but it is still a very annoying flow killer.
Update: Clunky "Crash" workaround didn't work for Illustrator.

[Guest]

I wanted to share this because this problem caused me so much frustration. For me, the solution was in windows, not photoshop. Folder options > view tab > make sure "always show icons, never thumbnails" is checked. So simple, such a relief. Idk why it works, I don't care. You're welcome.

[Guest]

Nope, I spoke too soon. It solves that type of error for files edited in windows but the files edited in photoshop can't be renamed without closing photoshop. Too bad we can't edit these replies so we don't waste everyone's time.

[Earlybird1836]

I am having the same problems also with photoshop, indesign and acrobat. 

[Earlybird1836]

@Ronivan Did you ever find a solution to this problem

[Derek359129599mjb]

I found a solution to this renaming bug in Windows 10. I was unable to rename files or folders, even after closing Photoshop and manually killing processes in Task Manager. Restarting my machine worked, but is a workflow-killer "solution".

For me, the culprit was"Adobe Crash Processor". Once I closed this specific process, I was able to rename files and folders as normal.

NOTE: This bug only occured when opening a file with Photoshop 2024 but was NOT present when opening the same file with Photoshop 2025. It is possible that this bug occurs when you have two different versions of Photoshop installed.

[atlantastopmodels]

I suffer with this problem several times a day. The only surefire solution is to delete crash processor every time.  otherwise wait 10 mins after closing the folder and then it will let me rename it.  soooo very annoying.

[Ray Lambert]

THAT'S IT!  YOU FOUND THE PROBLEM!!!

The Adobe Crash Processor is hanging up the file rename in Windows file explorer.  Thanks for posting that fix!