3 Easy Ways to Batch Rename Files on Windows 11

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Atish is a seasoned tech enthusiast fueled by caffeine and a Computer Science engineering degree. He stumbled into the blogging world in 2015 and hasn’t looked back. Over 2000+ articles later, his work has been featured on sites like Gizbot, Firstpost, PhoneArena, GSMArena, and IBTimes. At GT, he’s your go-to guy for how-tos, invaluable tips, and troubleshooting guides that actually work. He’s also an SEO and digital marketing whiz and content strategist, so his tech takes are always on point and ethical.

1. How to Rename Files in Bulk on Windows 11 Using File Explorer

Step 1: OpenFile Explorerand navigate to the files and folders you want to rename.

Step 2: Click on theView taband selectDetails.

Step 3: Select all the files you want to rename. Then, go to the Home tab and click theRenamebutton.

Alternatively, you can select the first file, press and hold the shift key, and click the last file to select all files, or simply press Ctrl + A.

Step 4: Rename the first file and pressEnter.

That’s it! The selected files will be renamed using the specified structure name, with a count number in parentheses to make each file name different. Ex: telegram group (1).jpg, telegram group (2).jpg, and so on.

2. How to Rename Multiple Files at Once on Windows 11

Method 1: Using Command Prompt

Step 1: OpenWindows Search, typeCommand Prompt, and pressEnter.PressYeson the prompt.

Step 2: In the Command Prompt, type the following commandand hitEnter.

Note: In PATH\TO\FILES, copy the file’s location or folder and paste it. Ex: ‘:cd %USERPROFILE%\Documents\files’.

Step 3: Now, type ‘ren .FILE-EXTENSION ???-FILE-NAME.’ to rename the files in bulk and pressEnter.

The asterisk (*) tells the command to rename everything with a specific extension, while the question mark (?) represents a character of the original name you want to keep as part of the new name. Enter the file extension in ‘FILE-EXTENSION’ and enter rename file in ‘-FILE-NAME’. Ex: .jpg ???-resetinstagram.

And there you go. All the files you selected will be renamed.

Method 2: Using Powershell

Step 1: OpenWindows Search, typePowerShell, and clickRun as Administrator.

PressYeson the prompt.

Step 2: In the PowerShell, type the following command and hitEnter.

Note: In PATH\TO\FILES, copy the file’s or folder location and paste it. Ex: ‘:cd %USERPROFILE%\Documents\files’.

Step 3: Now type the following command and pressEnter.

Replace ‘NEW-FILE-NAME’ with the structure name you want to use and add the proper file extension instead of ‘EXTENSION’.

And that’s it. Following the above steps, the selected files will be renamed using the specified format.If you want more customization and options to bulk modify files, there is PowerToys; continue reading.

3. Using Microsoft’s PowerToys to Batch Rename Files in Windows 11

Power Tools offers batch rename files on Windows 11 using PowerRename, which is far more capable than the default tool on Windows 11.

Step 1:Download PowerToysfrom GitHub and install it.

Step 2: OpenPowerToys, and under Administrator mode, clickRestart PowerToys as administrator.

Step 3: The app will restart automatically. Once open, choosePowerRenamefrom the side menu and turn on the toggletoEnable PowerRenameifyou have not already done so.

Step 4: Navigate to the files you want to rename, select them all,right-click,and chooseShow more options.

Step 5: Now, choosePowerRenameto open all selected files on the PowerRename interface.

Step 6: Choose the current file names to replace with a new one and clickApply.

Example: image_2022 to be replaced by ‘Access BIOS on Windows PC’

So there you have it. All the file names will be changed in a go.

Many tools are available for batch renaming files, includingBulk Rename UtilityandAdvanced Renamer. However, the interfaces of these tools are complex, and they do not offer easy ways to carry out the renaming process.

Therefore, we recommend using the tools mentioned in this article to batch rename files in Windows efficiently.

FAQs About Renaming Files on Windows 11

The quickest way to rename files in Windows 11 is by using File Explorer. Select the files you want to rename > right-click> go to rename > rename the files > click save.

The keyboard shortcut to rename a file in Windows is F2.

All the listed ways to rename files are practical and efficient. You can select the method that is most convenient for you or the easiest for you to complete your task.

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Last updated on 18 August, 2024

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