How to batch rename multiple files on Windows 10

On Windows 10, the process to rename a single file is easy, but it can become troublesome quickly when trying to change the name (or extension) to a long list of files within a folder.

Although, you can always install third-party tools to ease the process, Windows 10 includes various tools to make it easier to change the name of files using File Explorer, Command Prompt, and PowerShell.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through three ways to rename multiple files, including changing the extension, without the need to resource to third-party tools.

• How to rename multiple files using File Explorer
• How to rename multiple files using Command Prompt
• How to rename multiple files using PowerShell

How to rename multiple files using File Explorer

On Windows 10, File Explorer offers the easiest methods to rename one or multiple files.

Rename multiple files one at a time

To rename multiple files with different names using the "Tab" key, use these steps:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Browse to the folder with the files to rename.
3. Click the View tab.

4. Select the Details view.

   Source: Windows Central

5. Select the first file in the folder.
6. Click the Home tab.

7. Click the Rename button.

   Source: Windows Central

   Quick tip: You can also press the F2 button, right-click the files and select the Rename option, or click the file once and slowly click the file name again to trigger the rename action.

8. Confirm the new name for the file.
9. Press the Tab key to jump and trigger the rename action for the next file.
10. Confirm the new file name.
11. Press the Tab key again to jump and trigger the next rename.

Once you complete these steps, you may need to repeat step No. 10 until you're done renaming files.

Rename multiple files at once

To rename multiple files in bulk with the same name structure, use these steps:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Browse to the folder with the files to rename.
3. Click the View tab.

4. Select the Details view.

   Source: Windows Central

5. Click the Home tab.

6. Click the Select all button.

   Source: Windows Central

   Quick tip: You can also use the Ctrl + A keyboard shortcut to select all files quickly. You can press and hold the Ctrl key and then click the files to rename, or you can even choose the first file, press and hold the Shift key, and then click the last file to select a group.

7. Click the Rename button.

8. Type the new file name and press Enter.

   Source: Windows Central

After you complete these steps, all the selected files will be renamed using the same name structure with a count number between parentheses to make each name different. For example, summer_trip_2020 (1).jpg and summer_trip_2020 (2).jpg.

If you made a mistake, you could use the Ctrl + Z keyboard shortcut to undo the changes. Alternatively, you can click the menu button from the top-left corner (on the title bar of File Explorer) and select the Undo button.