How to Rename an Excel Workbook in Excel for the Web
A workbook created in OneDrive starts out as Book. You can rename it from inside Excel for the web: select the name at the top of the page, type the new one and press Enter.
The example is the old overtime timesheet from Part 1 of the Overtime Timesheet series.
Prerequisites
- A workbook open in Excel for the web that you can edit, such as one made with How to Create a New Excel Workbook in OneDrive.
Step 1: Select the Name
The workbook's name is at the top left, next to the Excel icon. Select it, here Book:
Step 2: Type the New Name
The name becomes a box you can type in. Replace it with the new name, here Overtime Timesheet 2026. Don't type .xlsx; Excel keeps the extension for you:
Step 3: Press Enter
Press Enter. The new name replaces Book at the top of the page and in the browser tab, and the cloud icon shows it's saved:
Step 4: Check OneDrive
In OneDrive, the folder lists the file under its new name, Overtime Timesheet 2026.xlsx, modified a few seconds ago:
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | What happens | Do this instead |
|---|---|---|
Typing .xlsx at the end | Unnecessary; Excel adds the extension itself | Type only the name |
| Clicking away instead of pressing Enter | Check the name at the top of the page to see whether it was kept | Press Enter to confirm |
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The name isn't a box when you select it | The workbook is open for viewing only | Switch to Editing, or ask for edit permission |
| OneDrive still shows the old name | The folder page was loaded before the rename | Reload the OneDrive page |
FAQ
Can I rename it from OneDrive instead?
Yes. OneDrive's file list also has a Rename command for any file. Renaming in Excel saves switching tabs.
Conclusion
Select the workbook's name at the top of Excel for the web, type the new name without .xlsx, and press Enter.
