How to rename a default folder in the Windows user library

Set your Folder Options to show hidden and system files. You'll then see a file called desktop.ini in each user folder. The one in Desktop contains this:

[.ShellClassInfo]
LocalizedResourceName=@%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll,-21769
IconResource=%SystemRoot%\system32\imageres.dll,-183

Other folders may have more entries, but they're not relevant here. The LocalizedResourceName line is what lets Windows know to display a translated folder name. You can change its value to a constant string, like so:

LocalizedResourceName=Top of the Desk

Consider making a back-up of these desktop.ini files in case you want to put the localizable default back. You can also use a semicolon (;) to comment out lines in INI files.

Once you're done, log off and back on. (Restarting explorer.exe is not enough.) Your custom name will appear in Quick access, This PC, and every place that supports localized folder names.