How to rename lots of files at once
On Windows you can rename many files at once by selecting them in File Explorer and pressing F2, which gives them a shared name with a number. For more control — dates, client names or custom patterns — use PowerShell or a bulk-renaming app that previews new names first.
Method 1: File Explorer (quickest)
- Select the files you want to rename.
- Press F2 (or right-click and choose Rename).
- Type a new name and press Enter.
- Windows names them “Name (1)”, “Name (2)” and so on.
This is fine for a batch of holiday photos, but you can't include dates or keep part of the original name.
Method 2: PowerShell (most flexible)
PowerShell's Rename-Item command can add prefixes, replace text or add dates. It's powerful but there's no built-in undo, so test it on copies first.
Method 3: A bulk rename app
Renaming apps let you build a pattern and see every new name before applying it. Look for a preview and an undo option.
Choose a naming convention that lasts
- Start with the date as YYYY-MM-DD so files sort in order.
- Add the client, project or property next.
- Finish with a short description or number.
- Avoid spaces and special characters if files are shared across systems.
Example: 2026-10-14_Harper-Joinery_Invoice-0412.pdf