Document Editing Problems

How to Rename a Word Document and Restore Original Names

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to rename a Word document or restore its original name, particularly when the application generates unexpected or temporary file names.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Encountering automatically generated file names (such as those starting with ~$) or needing to change a document's name back to its original state in local storage or OneDrive.
Observed behavior: Word displays unexpected auto-generated file names, prompting the user to seek a way to clear these files and manually rename their documents.

Before you start

Ensure that you have saved any open documents and close Microsoft Word completely, as you cannot rename or delete temporary files while the application is still actively using them.

Solution 1Recommended

Restart Word and Clear Temporary Files

Resolve unexpected auto-generated names by clearing hidden temporary files created by Word.

When Word crashes or is closed improperly, it may leave behind temporary files that begin with ~$ (e.g., ~$cument1.docx). These files can cause conflicts or display strange file names in your folder. Clearing them helps restore order to your directory.

Close Microsoft Word

Save your work and close all active Microsoft Word windows completely.

Restart Your Computer

Restart your computer to ensure no background Word processes are running and locking the files.

Enable Hidden Items

Open File Explorer, navigate to the 'View' tab at the top, and ensure the 'Hidden items' checkbox is selected so you can see temporary files.

Delete Temporary Files

Navigate to the folder where your document is saved. Look for any files that begin with ~$ and delete them.

Safe Deletion: Deleting these ~$ temporary files is safe as long as the main document is closed; they do not contain your actual saved data, only owner lock information.

Solution 2

Manually Rename Documents in OneDrive

If your documents are saved in OneDrive, you can easily rename them directly from the file directory or web interface.

Rename and Manage Documents Effortlessly with WPS Office

WPS Office provides a highly compatible and lightweight environment for creating, editing, and managing your documents. With built-in tools for easy file renaming and seamless cloud integration, you can avoid the hassle of persistent temporary file errors.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office on your device.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document you wish to manage.
3. Use Save As to Rename: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top left corner, select 'Save As', and enter your desired original name to create a clean copy of the file.
4. Manage Files Locally or in Cloud: Alternatively, use the built-in WPS Cloud file manager or your local file explorer to right-click any closed document and select 'Rename'.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats.Clean, intuitive interface for easy document renaming and management.Lightweight software that runs smoothly without generating excessive background files.Built-in cloud storage integration for safe file syncing and version history.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Word document have a name starting with ~$?

Files starting with ~$ are temporary 'owner files' created by Word when a document is opened. They lock the file for editing and usually delete automatically when you close the document. They may remain visible if Word crashes or if 'Hidden items' is enabled.

Can I rename a Word document while it is open?

Normally, Windows does not allow you to rename a file that is currently open in Word. You must close the document first, or use the 'Save As' function from within Word to save a new copy with the desired name.

How do I restore a previous version of a Word document?

If you have AutoRecover or OneDrive sync enabled, you can right-click the file in File Explorer and select 'Version History', or go to File > Info > Manage Document within Word to restore an earlier saved version.

Where are Word temporary files stored?

Word temporary files are typically stored in the same directory as the original document. However, auto-recovery files can also be found in the AppData\Local\Temp or AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word folder on your Windows system.

Document & File Issues