How to Batch Rename Files in Windows

Renaming multiple files manually can be time-consuming and tedious. Fortunately, Windows offers several convenient methods for batch-renaming files, from built-in tools to command-line options and specialized software. This guide covers a few straightforward and efficient ways to help you organize your files quickly.

1. Renaming Files in Windows File Explorer

The easiest method for batch renaming files is using Windows File Explorer. This approach is ideal for quickly renaming a group of files with a common name and numbering. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open the folder containing the files you want to rename in Windows File Explorer.
  2. Select all the files you want to rename (use Ctrl + A to select everything in the folder).
  3. Right-click on one of the selected files and choose "Rename" or press F2.
  4. Enter the new name for the files and press Enter.

Windows will automatically add a sequential number to each file (e.g., “File (1),” “File (2),” etc.).

2. Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt is a powerful tool for batch renaming files, especially if you need to perform specific naming patterns. Here’s a simple example:

ren *.txt new_name_*.txt

This command renames all files with the .txt extension in the folder to “new_name_1.txt,” “new_name_2.txt,” and so on. You can also use more advanced commands and scripts for complex renaming operations.

3. Renaming Files with PowerShell

PowerShell is a more versatile tool compared to Command Prompt, allowing you to use complex patterns, filters, and regular expressions to rename files. Here’s an example of a command for batch renaming:

Get-ChildItem -Path "C:\Path\To\Folder" -Filter "*.txt" | ForEach-Object {Rename-Item $_ -NewName ("newName_{0}.txt" -f $nr++)}

This command will find all .txt files in the specified folder and assign each a unique name with a numbering sequence.

4. Using Third-Party Software

For more complex renaming needs, such as adding prefixes, replacing parts of file names, or editing metadata, specialized software can be very helpful. Here are a couple of popular options:

  • Bulk Rename Utility – a popular, free solution with flexible settings.
  • Advanced Renamer – another powerful tool that supports templates and scripting.

These programs offer more features and customization, though they may have a steeper learning curve. They’re ideal for intricate renaming tasks based on various criteria.