How to Batch Rename Multiple Files at Once in Windows 11

You have a folder full of files — photos, scans, documents — and want to rename them all without editing each one by hand.

Why: File Explorer has a built-in way to rename a whole selection at once, giving every file the same base name with a number. For more control — find-and-replace, keeping part of the name, or custom numbering — Microsoft’s free PowerToys add-on does the job.

Fix 1: Numbered batch rename in File Explorer

Best when you want a clean set like Holiday (1), Holiday (2):

1. Open the folder and select the files. Hold Ctrl and click to pick specific files, or Ctrl + A to select everything.
2. Press F2 (or right-click the first file and choose Rename).
3. Type the new base name and press Enter.

Windows names the first file with that name and adds (1), (2), (3) and so on to the rest to keep each unique. Pressed Enter by mistake? Ctrl + Z undoes the whole batch.

Fix 2: Rename files one by one with Tab

To give each file a different name quickly:

1. Click the first file and press F2.
2. Type its new name, then press Tab (instead of Enter) — Windows jumps straight to renaming the next file.
3. Keep typing and pressing Tab down the list.

Fix 3: Find-and-replace with PowerToys PowerRename

For real bulk control — replacing text, adding dates, or custom numbering without the (1) style:

1. Install Microsoft PowerToys from the Microsoft Store, then turn on PowerRename in the PowerToys settings.
2. Select your files in File Explorer, right-click and choose Rename with PowerRename (you may need Show more options first).
3. Enter text in Search for and Replace with. The Preview pane shows the new names before you commit.
4. Use Enumerate items for sequential numbers, or Text formatting to change case. Click Apply when the preview looks right.

FAQ

Why did all my files get the same name with numbers? That’s how File Explorer’s batch rename works — one base name plus (1), (2) and so on. You can’t change that pattern in Explorer; use PowerRename (Fix 3) for custom numbering or find-and-replace.

Can I undo a batch rename? Yes. Press Ctrl + Z in File Explorer right after, or use PowerRename’s undo. Acting immediately gives the cleanest result.

Does PowerRename cost anything? No. PowerToys is a free, official Microsoft utility from the Microsoft Store.

Sources: Microsoft Support — How to rename multiple files in Windows Explorer, Microsoft Learn — PowerRename utility for Windows