How To Batch Rename Files in Windows 11

Organizing and managing a large number of files often requires renaming them quickly. However, manually selecting and renaming each file can be time-consuming and decrease efficiency.

Luckily, thanks to Windows 11, you can rest easy knowing that this issue is no longer a concern. This updated operating system from Microsoft enables you to quickly rename multiple files without the need for any complex software. You have two options for doing so, so let’s explore them.

Batch Rename Files using the File Explorer

In Windows 11, it is possible to rename multiple files at once using the file explorer. Although this approach does not allow for much flexibility in terms of customizing the file names, it is the perfect solution if you simply want the names to follow a standard format.

Access File Explorer and go to the location of the files you want to rename.
Select the files you want to rename by holding down the Ctrl key and left-clicking on each file.

After selecting the files you want to rename, simply right-click on one of the files and a menu will appear with various options. Above the options, you will also see a few icons, one of which is for renaming the files.

Click on the ‘Rename’ icon, and you will be able to rename the file on which you right-clicked.

Give the file a name, such as ‘A1’, and you will see that all other files will also be renamed, each having a number as a suffix.

All it takes to batch rename files in Windows 11 using File Explorer is following these simple steps. You won’t have to use any additional software or spend time searching for and installing other tools.

Use Power Toys for Batch File Renaming

One alternative method for batch renaming files in Windows 11 is through the use of Power Toys. This utility includes an add-on called PowerRename, which allows you to specify conditions for renaming multiple files according to your desired format.

If you do not have Power Toys installed yet, you can access Microsoft Store through the Start menu and install it from there.

Launch the Power Toys app and select PowerRename from the menu on the left.

Ensure that the ‘Enable PowerRename’ feature is activated. This feature is already enabled by default, but if it is not, simply click on the toggle next to it to activate it.

With the feature enabled, you can replace all or specific words and characters in a file name and even create conditions using regular expressions ‘RegEx’ for matching and replacing names. To do so, navigate to the folder using File Explorer where the files to be renamed are and select them.

To rename any of the selected files, simply right-click on them and choose ‘Rename With PowerRename’ from the menu.

The PowerRename interface will display, showing all the selected files. Type in the desired search term in the top left text box.

For instance, we will search for the name ‘A1’. Next, enter the name that you want to use for the images, such as ‘Wallpaper’ in the box below.

Clicking on the ‘i’ icon next to the text box will show you several options for renaming files, such as adding data and time, day of the week, etc.

If you are happy with the preview, click on the ‘Apply’ button at the bottom to complete the renaming process.

You can see all your files have been renamed now and can confirm it by navigating to the folder where the files are located.

To quickly rename multiple files on Windows 11 without customizing, you can utilize File Explorer. However, if you wish to modify the format and include additional information, the PowerRename feature of Power Toys can assist you. Both approaches are efficient and simple to utilize. Additionally, you can apply these methods to rename images in various formats such as JPEGs, PNGs, SVGs, and more.