Rename dozens of files at once in Windows

You downloaded 40 photos from an event and their filenames are IMG_1034, IMG_1035, IMG_1036. Naming each file separately wastes time.

Windows 11's File Explorer lets you select multiple files and rename them in bulk. This method is suitable for automatically numbering files using the same name root.

Step by step guide

 

 

 

1. First create a test folder

Copy files to a new folder. This way, you can test the name change without touching the original files. For example, to the folder Collective_Name_Trial.

 

 

 

 

2. Select files to rename

Open folder. Ctrl + A. If you are only going to change certain files Ctrl key and click on the files you want.

 

 

 

 

3. Start rename command

Right-click on one of the selected files and select Rename. Alternatively F2 key. The menu appearance of Windows 11 may vary depending on the version.

 

 

 

 

4. Type a common name

For example Travel and press Enter. Windows gives the selected files a common name and numbers them to distinguish them. The exact format and numbering appearance may vary depending on the Windows version.

 

 

 

 

5. Check filenames and extensions

Results Travel (1), Travel (2). Also check file type extensions. If the extension is not visible, open View → Show → File name extensions in File Explorer.

 

 

 

 

 

6. Verify the result and rollback if necessary

Check file names and openability. If you made a mistake, immediately Ctrl + Z shortcut; but don't always trust the rollback history. So it's safer to make the first try in the copy folder.

Real usage scenario

All files in a travel photo folder Cappadocia. Instead of selecting and writing individual files, you can select all of them and perform common naming at once.

Requirements

• Windows 11 and File Explorer.

• Files you have permission to rename.

• Backup or copy folder for important files.

What to do if it doesn't work?

1. Check that the files are not in a read-only or permission-restricted location.

2. If another application has locked the same files, close that application and try again.

3. Note that if some files are not selected, only the selected files will change.

4. If the common name is too general, it may cause confusion in later searches; 2026_Trip.

5. If a program cannot find the file after the name change, check if that program is using a link to the old filename.

Advantages, limitations and data security

• Advantage: Reduces the work of editing individual files; does not require installing additional software.

• Limitation: This method is suitable for applying the same root to all filenames. It may not be sufficient for complex templates, metadata-based naming, or very specific numbering requirements.

• Security: Does not modify the contents of files; however, changing the filename may break some application connections or workflows. For important archives, test the copy first.

Quick conclusion

First copy a few files into a separate test folder. Select all, F2 and check Windows' common naming result.