To rename a file without the right-click context menu, use focused keyboard selection. Instead of navigating menus, you directly select the file icon and trigger a rename action using designated keys. This method bypasses mouse interaction, offering a faster alternative especially when handling multiple files sequentially. It's fundamentally the same operation as using the right-click menu but initiated purely through keyboard commands.

The most common method is selecting the file (using arrow keys or typing its first letter) and pressing the F2 key in Windows File Explorer. This immediately highlights the filename for editing. On macOS Finder, after selecting a file with arrow keys, you can press the Return (or Enter) key to achieve the same result – activating the text field for renaming. Both methods are essential skills for desktop file management.

Using keyboard shortcuts significantly speeds up repetitive renaming tasks, boosting efficiency. However, key mappings can vary slightly by operating system or specific applications, and the F2 key might conflict with other functions in non-standard software or environments. Mastering these simple shortcuts fosters better workflow efficiency across any industry involving frequent file organization.