Renaming Multiple Files at the Same Time

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated October 5, 2020)

It's possible to rename multiple files at the same time. In fact, there are a couple of ways to do it. Perhaps the simplest way is to use File Explorer. Say that you have a group of files such as what appears in the following figure: (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. A set of files to be renamed.

To rename these files, create a selection set of the files (creating a selection set is covered under another tip) so that they are all selected. You can then press F2 (or right-click on a selected file and choose Rename from the Context menu) and type the "base name" you want each of your files to have. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. Renaming a selection of multiple files.

When you press Enter to complete the rename, each selected file will end up with the same base name with numbers following it in parentheses. (See Figure 3.)

Figure 3. The set of files after the rename.

There is another way to rename a set of multiple files. This second way uses the FOR command at the Command Prompt (displaying the Command Prompt is covered under another tip). Again, assume that you have the six files as shown in the first figure, above. To rename all six, go to the Command Prompt and type the following (terminating by pressing the Enter key):

C:\> FOR /L %I IN (1,1,6) DO REN 00000%I.JPG "Hawaii (%I).JPG"

 This tip (12883) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Adjusting Display Magnification

Sometimes our eyes fail us, or what we're trying to read is just too small to make out comfortably. Fortunately, Windows ...

Discover More

Setting the Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge

For some people, search engines are a religious issue. Fortunately, Microsoft Edge has left the door open for you to ...

Discover More

Sharing a Windows Theme with a Friend or Coworker

Being able to customize your theme is a great way to personalize your computer, but what if you want to share your theme ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Copying Data with Robocopy

Robocopy is a robust file copy utility built into Windows. If you have a lot of file management to do that can't easily ...

Discover More

Searching From within File Explorer

Searching from within File Explorer is a quick and easy way to find files and even content within files. This tip shows ...

Discover More

Creating a CD/DVD Archive

CDs and DVDs are good for creating archives of files you want to keep over the long term. They are a great way to back up ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is two more than 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.