Operating System

Save Time with Batch Renaming: How to Batch Rename Multiple Files on Windows 11

Do you have multiple files that you need to rename for storage? Well, renaming files can be tedious, especially when you have a lot of files to rename.

Besides, you don’t want to change them one by one. There is a much more efficient way to batch rename files in Windows 11.

In addition, mass renaming saves time and also makes it easier to manage and organize files.

Fortunately, there are some simple ways to change the name of a group, with the help of which you can do this in a short time.

Group renaming of files can be done with the help of Windows’ built-in features, but there is also a  great program in this field, designed by Microsoft, which provides you with more capabilities for renaming.

In this article, we want to explain  how to batch rename multiple files on Windows 11.

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

Using File Explorer to rename a group of files in Windows 11 is one of the most convenient and simple methods possible.

You can easily change the name of your files using the following steps:

1. Open the File Explorer.

2. Go to the files and folders you want to rename.

How to rename files in bulk on Windows 11 using file Explorer

3. Select the View tab.

4. Click on the Details.

5.Choose all the files you want to rename.

6. Open the Home tab.

7. Click on the Rename button.

Note: You can select the first file by pressing the shift key and also click the last file to select all files.

How to rename files in bulk on Windows 11 using file Explorer

8. Rename the first file.

9. Hit the Enter.

How to rename files in bulk on Windows 11 using file Explorer

Now, you need to rename the files you selected using the structure name you specified by putting a count number in parentheses so that each file name is different.

How to Rename Multiple Files at Once on Windows 11 Using Command Prompt?

If you want to rename a group of files in Windows, using Command Prompt is a great way to do it. This tool will allow you to rename files.

To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Windows Search.

2. Type Command Prompt.

3. Select the Run as administrator option, then hit the Enter option.

4. Hit Yes on the prompt.

How to rename multiple files at once on Windows 11 using command prompt

5. In Command Prompt, type the following command ‘cd c:\PATH\TO\FILES’.

How to rename multiple files at once on Windows 11 using command prompt

6. Type ‘ren *.FILE-EXTENSION ???-FILE-NAME.*’ to rename the files in bulk.

7. Hit Enter.

How to rename multiple files at once on Windows 11 using command prompt

Mass Rename Files in Windows 11 Using PowerShell

Windows PowerShell is a more powerful tool than Command Prompt, and it will also be easier for you to work with it. A few simple commands are enough to rename a group of files using this tool.

1. Go to the Windows Search.

2. Type PowerShell.

3. Select Run as Administrator.

Mass Rename Files in Windows 11 Using PowerShell

4. In the PowerShell, type the following command ‘cd PATH\TO\FOLDER

5. In PATH\TO\FILES, copy the file’s or folder location and paste it.

Mass Rename Files in Windows 11 Using PowerShell

6. Now, type the following command ‘ls | %{Rename-Item $_ -NewName (“NEW-FILE-NAME-{0}.EXTENSION” -f $nr++)}‘.

Mass Rename Files in Windows 11 Using PowerShell

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

using Microsoft’s PowerToys to batch rename files in Windows 11

Using Microsoft’S PowerToys to batch rename Files in Windows 11

PowerToys software is designed by Microsoft and belongs to Windows users. You can use the great features of this program, but the PowerRename feature allows you to perform batch renaming of files in Windows 11 in a much more precise way.

By using this method group, the renaming of files is more targeted, and you can use different rules to rename additional files.

Also, before the group name of the desired files is changed, you can see a preview of it in this application.

Using PowerRename, anything is possible; For example, you can effortlessly bulk format text for new files and choose to apply changes to file names, extensions, and more.

You can change several files at the same time in the PowerToys program by using the following steps:

1. You can download and install PowerToys using GitHub.

Using Microsoft’S PowerToys to batch rename Files in Windows 11

2. Open the PowerToys.

3. Under Administrator mode, select the Restart PowerToys as administrator.

Using Microsoft’S PowerToys to batch rename Files in Windows 11

4. Now, the program will restart automatically.

5. Once open, select PowerRename from the side menu.

6. If you haven’t turned on PowerRename before, you need to turn it on first.

Using Microsoft’S PowerToys to batch rename Files in Windows 11

7. Go to the files you want to rename.

8. Select all the files you want.

9. Right-click and choose Show more options.

Using Microsoft’S PowerToys to batch rename Files in Windows 11

10. Select PowerRename to open all chose files on the PowerRename interface.

Using Microsoft’S PowerToys to batch rename Files in Windows 11

11. Select the current file name to replace with the new file name.

12. Click on the Apply option.

Using Microsoft’S PowerToys to batch rename Files in Windows 11

Now, you can easily change the file name.

Last Words

Which of the above methods was more attractive to you?

If you are a beginner user, using PowerShell will be a bit confusing and boring for you; But after you work with it a few times, using this feature will become attractive to you.

We hope that you have benefited from today’s guide. Be sure to share your comments and questions about the methods of renaming a group of files in Windows in the comments section.

Sarah Kmz

Sara is a talented author and technology enthusiast with a passion for writing about Windows tips and tricks. She was born and raised in Seattle, Washington and has always had a love for all things related to technology. After completing her degree in Computer Science at the University of Washington, Sara began working as a software developer. She quickly discovered that she had a talent for writing and decided to combine her two passions by starting a blog about Windows tips and tricks. Sara's blog quickly gained popularity and she became known for her clear and concise writing style, as well as her ability to explain complex technical concepts in a way that was easy for anyone to understand. Her blog has become a go-to resource for Windows users looking to optimize their experience and make the most out of their technology. In addition to her work on her blog, Sara is also a prolific writer of technical articles for a number of different publications. Her writing has been featured in numerous technology blogs and websites, and she is widely respected in the industry for her expertise in the field. When she's not writing or working on her blog, Sara enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. She is also an avid traveler and is always looking for new places to explore and new experiences to have. Overall, Sara is a talented writer and technology expert who is dedicated to sharing her knowledge with others. Her passion for both technology and writing has made her a respected figure in the industry, and she continues to inspire and educate others through her work on her blog and beyond.

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