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4 Ways to Batch Rename Files in Windows 10/11

With these methods you can rename multiple files at once in a few clicks

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Windows 10, and all versions of Windows in particular feature a very easy way to batch rename files or folders. All you need to do is to click on the file name and rename it.

You also have the ability to rename multiplefilesor folders at once, in case you need to quickly sort your stuff.

To batch rename multiplefilesor folders in Windows is also very easy, and it requires minimal effort. But, you might stumble upon a problem if you want to add some customization to the names of yourfiles.

To add customization to naming yourfiles, you can use some additionaltools, like the Command Prompt, PowerShell, or a third-partyprogram. Thesetoolsgive you many more options when it comes to renaming multiplefilesat once.

So, if you need the simplest and the quickest solution, renamingfiles‘the traditional way’ is the best solution. But if you want more options, and think that renaming multiplesfilesis worth time and effort, you’d want to use some of thesetools.

How to rename multiple files at once with different names on PC?

In this article we’re going to explain each method, so you can choose the most appropriate one for you.

1. Rename files in Windows Explorer

As we said, the easiest way to batch renamefilesin Windows is to use the traditional way. You just need to select thefilesyou want to rename, click on the first one’s name, set a new name, and allfileswill have the same name, plus ordering numbers.

This is the simplest way, but it doesn’t allow you to do anything else, as it automatically assigns numbers to the rest offiles.

But if that’s okay with you, look no further. There you go, that’s the easiest way to rename multiplefilesin Windows 10.

However, if you want some more options, like the ability to add underscores, add numbers without brackets, change file extensions and more, try some of the methods listed below.

2. Rename files using the Command Prompt

Command Prompt offers more flexibility than the regular way, but it still isn’t the most advanced option.

Thistoolis the most useful if you want to change multiple file extensions at once. So, in case you want to quickly convert, for example, textfilesto HTMLfiles, just use the Command Prompt.

There you go, after performing this command in the Command Prompt, all your selectfilesare going to be converted from one format to another.

If youcan’t run Command Prompt as administratorto test this solution, check out our article about this topic.

We can also help youpersonalize Command Promptto your liking.

3. Rename files using Powershell

The most powerful Windows 10’s built-intoolto batch rename multiplefilesis PowerShell. This tool allows you to rename all the files in a folder of your choosing at once, according to your commands.

Press theWindows Keyand typepowershellin the search box.
Select the first result to open the Powershell tool.
Input the commandcdalong with the location of the folder containing files you want to rename.
PressEnterto run the command.

5.Now you can add various commands to customize renaming of your files.

6.For example, we’re going to type a command which replaces blak spaces with underscores ():Dir | Rename-Item –NewName { $.name –replace “ “,”_” }

PressEnterto run the command.
Your files have all been renamed in the manner you wanted.

This feature offers the most options, but using this method can be time-consuming, and complicated for beginners, which is why we assume that most users will skip this solution.

There you go, PowerShell is the most powerfultoolfor renaming multiplefilesin Windows 10.

You can experiment with various options and commands, in case you have some free time, and want to learn more about thistool.

For example, you canremove default apps on Windows 10 using Powershell.

4. Rename files with a third-party program

We’ve shown you the three best built-in ways to batch rename multiplefilesin Windows 10. However, if you still want some advanced options, but don’t want to mess with command lines, there’s always a third-party solution.

There are numerousprogramsfor bulk renamingfilesin Windows, but our favorite is theprogramcalled Bulk Rename Utility.

Bulk Rename Utility is a simple, easy-to-usetoolthat allows you to choose between various options for renaming yourfiles. Theprogramis available for free, and you can download it fromthis link.

When you open Bulk Rename Utility, just locate thefilesyou want to rename, and select them. Now you can choose a high variety of options for renaming. Some of the options are the ability to replace characters, remove characters, add dates, numbers, and even relocate yourfiles.

If you’re not satisfied with how Bulk Rename Utility works, you can check for some alternatives online, we’re sure there are more goodtoolsto batch renamefilesin Windows 10.

For more interesting tutorials, you can check out ourHow-To section.

That should be all for our article about renaming multiplefilesin Windows. Tell us what in the comments, what do you think about these methods, and what is your favorite.

4 Ways to Batch Rename Files in Windows 10/11#

How to rename multiple files at once with different names on PC?#

1. Rename files in Windows Explorer#

2. Rename files using the Command Prompt#

3. Rename files using Powershell#

4. Rename files with a third-party program#