Renaming heaps of files at once in Windows 11 can be a real lifesaver, especially if your desktop’s cluttered with stuff that needs tidying up quicksmart. Luckily, Windows has a pretty decent built-in way to do this without mucking around with fancy third-party apps or scripts—though sometimes it feels like it shouldn’t be so tricky. Anyway, here’s how to get it sorted, with a few tips I’ve picked up along the way, because yes, it usually works… if you do it right.
How to Rename Multiple Files at Once in Windows 11
It’s pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. If it’s not working for you, it might just be a little detail that’s tripping you up. Fair go, the process is mostly the same, but watch out for those Windows quirks.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Hit File Explorer by clicking the folder icon in your taskbar or pressing Win + E. That’s where all the magic happens.
Step 2: Go to the Folder with Files
Navigate to where your files are saved. Not sure if you’re in the right spot? No worries—just double-check before selecting anything. The less mucking about, the better.
Step 3: Select Files
Click the first file, then hold down Shift and click the last, or hold Ctrl while clicking individual files. Sometimes, if you try to select too many at once or some files are locked, it might bug out. No drama though, just make sure all are highlighted.
Step 4: Right-click and Hit ‘Rename’
Once your files are selected, right-click on any one of them and choose Rename. Or, after selecting, just press F2. That pops up the rename box.
Step 5: Type the New Name & Hit Enter
Type whatever you want—like “HolidayPics” or “Invoices”—and hit Enter. Windows will add a number in brackets to tell them apart, so you’ll get files like HolidayPics (1), HolidayPics (2), and so on.
This part’s a bit odd, but it mostly does the trick. Sometimes it gets a bit funny if files are open or permissions are dodgy. And if a file’s read-only or there’s a network hiccup with shared drives, Windows might get a bit stubborn.
Tips for Renaming Multiple Files at Once in Windows 11
- Use clear names that make sense—makes life easier down the track.
- If order matters, chuck in numbers at the start, like
01_Project. Do it before, because Windows’ batch renaming isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. - Be careful with file extensions. If you accidentally delete or change the extension (like
.jpgto.txt), your files might become useless. Only fiddle with extensions if you know what you’re doing. - Quick tip: To keep the original extension, rename the first file, then hold Shift and select all the rest. Windows will use your base name for all and keep the extensions intact.
- Doing this often? Keep organised folders or try using some small batch renaming tools for extra grunt, but for quick jobs, Windows’ built-in feature usually does the job right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rename folders the same way?
Too right. The same method works for folders as well. Just select a few (with Ctrl or Shift) and click Rename. You’ll get a prompt to give the first folder a name, and the rest will follow with (1), (2), etc.
What if I hit ‘Rename’ and nothing happens?
This can be a sneaky glitch, especially if files are read-only or open in another program. Sometimes restarting File Explorer (via Task Manager or just restart your PC) can fix it. Also, check your permissions—it might be a permissions thing.
Does this work with all file types?
Yeah, from photos and docs to videos and software. But if you’re messing with system files or stuff in protected folders, Windows can be a bit finicky and might block the renaming or throw errors.
Will renaming stuff break the files or damage their content?
Nope. It just updates the label, not what’s inside. Files are safe—unless you change the extension and don’t know what you’re messing with, then they could stop opening or get dodgy.
Can I do this on a network drive or cloud folder?
Most of the time, yes. Just be mindful that network lag or sharing permissions can cause hiccups. Windows might slow down or show errors. If it stalls, try locking the files or doing it in smaller batches.
Summary
- Open File Explorer with Win + E
- Navigate to your folder
- Select your files (Shift or Ctrl helps)
- Right-click and choose Rename
- Type the new name, hit Enter
Hopefully, this helps save a few hours. It’s not perfect, but most of the time, it’ll do the trick to keep your digital chaos under control.