Renaming a file primarily changes its filename metadata, but typically leaves the core file "creation time" unchanged. Operating system search features often use timestamps like creation time or last edit time to determine true recency. Since renaming only modifies the filename attribute, the underlying file data hasn't necessarily become new or relevantly updated, meaning it may not qualify as a "recent" result compared to files actively created or edited.

For example, on Windows Search or macOS Spotlight, the "Recent" view focuses on files actively opened, modified in content, or newly created. If you open File Explorer and rename a document from "Report_v1.docx" to "Q3_Final.docx", the filename change itself might not trigger the file to appear in searches filtered for "Recent". Similarly, renaming photos (e.g., "IMG001.jpg" to "Family_Picnic.jpg") often won't make them show up under recently changed files unless the image data itself was altered.

This behavior arises from search engines prioritizing content modification or true creation events over metadata changes. While designed to show genuinely new or updated files, it can cause confusion. Renamed files won't disappear; you can always find them via manual browsing or by searching the new filename directly. Keep in mind that different applications (e.g., Adobe Bridge) might track rename history independently.