Renaming multiple files at once in Windows 11 can be a real game-changer, especially if you’re buried under a mountain of files that need a quick tidy-up. Luckily, Windows has a pretty decent built-in way to do this without messing around with third-party apps or scripts—though sometimes it feels like it shouldn’t be so hard. Anyway, here’s how to get it done, with some tips I’ve picked up from experience, because yes, it works most of the time… 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 be because of a few small details that can trip you up. For real, the process is usually the same, but watch out for those pesky Windows quirks.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Hit File Explorer by clicking the folder icon in your taskbar or pressing Win + E. That’s the place where all the magic happens.
Step 2: Go to the Folder with Files
Navigate to where your files are stored. Not sure if this is the right folder? That’s okay—just double check before selecting anything. The fewer mistakes, 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. On some setups, if you try to select too many at once or if some files are locked, it’ll freak out. No worries 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. Alternatively, after selecting, press F2. That brings up the rename box.
Step 5: Type the New Name & Hit Enter
Type whatever you want—like “VacationPhoto” or “Invoice”- and then hit Enter. Windows will add a number in parentheses to differentiate, so you’ll end up with files like VacationPhoto (1), VacationPhoto (2), and so on.
This is kinda weird but works most of the time. On some setups, the numbering doesn’t update properly if files are open or if permissions are funky. Also, on some occasions, Windows might get stuck if a file is read-only or if there’s a network hiccup with shared drives.
Tips for Renaming Multiple Files at Once in Windows 11
- Use descriptive names that make sense—it saves hunting for files later.
- If order matters, consider adding numbers at the start, like
01_Project. Just do it beforehand, because Windows’ batch rename isn’t that clever. - Be cautious with file extensions. If you accidentally delete or change the extension (like
.jpgto.txt), your files might become unusable. Best to keep extensions intact unless you really know what you’re doing. - Quick tip: If you want to keep the original extension, just rename the first file, then hold Shift and select all the other files you want to rename—Windows will use your base name for all, preserving extensions.
- Doing this regularly? Make a habit of organized folders or even using small batch renaming tools for extra power, but for quick jobs, Windows’ built-in feature usually does the trick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rename folders the same way?
Yep. The same method works for folders, too. Just select multiple folders (with Ctrl or Shift) and hit Rename. You’ll get a prompt to name the first folder, and all others will follow with (1), (2) etc.
What if I hit ‘Rename’ and nothing happens?
This can be a little glitch, especially if files are read-only or if some are open in another program. Sometimes, restarting File Explorer (via Task Manager or just rebooting) helps. Also, make sure you’ve got the right permissions.
Does this work with all file types?
Yeah, from images and documents to videos and apps. But if you’re renaming system files or files in protected folders, Windows can be picky and block the rename or throw errors.
Will renaming break the files or content?
Nope. Just changes the label, not what’s inside. Files are safe—unless you’re changing extensions and don’t know what you’re doing, then yeah, they might get sick or stop opening.
Can I do this on a network drive or cloud sync folder?
Most of the time, yes. Just be aware that network delays or sharing permissions can mess up bulk renaming — Windows might show an error or be slow. On some setups, try locking the files or doing it in smaller batches if it stalls.
Summary
- Open File Explorer with Win + E
- Go to your folder
- Select all files you wanna rename (Shift or Ctrl helps)
- Right-click and pick Rename
- Type the new name, hit Enter
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. It’s not perfect, but most of the time, it’s enough to keep your digital chaos in check.