How to rename multiple files at once in Windows

Posted on September 3, 2008 at 5:38 am

Earlier, I had written a post on how to batch rename many files using a free piece of software called ReNamer, which works really well if you have a ton of digital photos all named DSC000001, etc. You can also use a program called Stamp to rename digital photos so that they are sorted chronologically. However, I recently learned that you can batch rename files in Windows without any software if you like!

So if you have a bunch of digital photos and you simply want to give them a more proper name like JohnWedding1, JohnWedding2, etc, then you can rename all of those files easily in Windows Explorer itself! Here’s how.

Note: You can do this with files of any file type, it does not have to be just images. You can, for example, batch rename a bunch of text files using this method. Actually, you can rename a group of files that all have different file extensions if you like also.

First, open the folder where your files are stored and select all of them by going to Edit – Select All or by pressing CTRL + A on your keyboard.

Now right-click on any of the selected files and choose Rename or go to File and choose Rename.

Now simply type in the new name and press Enter. For example, if I type in “Pictures”, Windows will name the first picture “Pictures”, the second one “Pictures(1)”, the third one “Pictures(2)”, and so on automatically for you.

Yes, it’s a fairly simplistic method for renaming many files, but it’s really useful and handy in case you can’t or don’t want to download the above mentioned file renaming programs!

If you have a bunch of audio files, you might be interested in using a program called The GodFather to rename and organize and tag your audio files.

Finally, you can also batch change file extensions for many Windows files either manually or using some free software.

Enjoyed this post? Subscribe to Online Tech Tips via RSS Feed or via Email and receive free daily productivity tips.

» Filed Under Computer Tips