If you have a bunch of files in a folder which you want to name sequentially and convert to the same file type or format, how do you go about doing this? If it is just a few files, you can do it manually, but what if there are, say, 10-20 or even 100 files?
In this post, we will see how to batch rename files and change file extension for all files in a folder quickly & easily in Windows 11/10. This can be especially useful if you have multiple photographs or images of various names or file extensions, like .jpg, .png, etc., and you would like to rename them to India1.jpg, India2.jpg, etc. for the sake of convenience.
Change file extension for all files in a folder
For example, we assume that you have several files in a folder of varying names and different file formats or extensions, and we want to change all these images to the JPG file extension. To begin the process, open the folder, press Shift, and right-click in an empty spot inside the folder.
You will see an Open command prompt here context menu item. Click on it to open a command prompt window. Now type the following in it and hit Enter:
ren *.* *.jpg
Here we are using a wildcard as we want any file extension to be changed to jpg. When you do this, you will see that all the files in the folder will get an extension of .jpg.
Related: How to rename all File Extensions in a Folder at once in Windows
Batch rename files
Now the next thing you want to do is to rename the files sequentially. To do this, press Ctrl+A to select all the files in that folder.
Now rename the first file. Here I have renamed it to BatchRename. Having done this, press Enter or click anywhere inside the folder.
All the files will be renamed in a numerical sequence as BatchRename1, BatchRename2, etc.
So, following this tutorial, you will batch rename all the files sequentially numerically and change the file extension for all files in the folder quickly & easily.
Similar to this tool is ContextReplace, which will help you rename multiple files or folders via the context menu.
TIP: In Windows, it’s even easier to rename multiple files or folders. If you want to rename multiple files, tap the TAB button after renaming the first file, and you’ll be moved on to the next in-line file or folder. You can thus immediately rename the following file.
Moreover, Windows also has one more nice feature. Even if the ‘show file extension’ feature is enabled, it does not highlight the file type extension while renaming. So you are safer, as you will not change or delete the extension by mistake while renaming.
These free File Renamer software may interest you.
What is the fastest way to rename files in bulk?
Windows PowerToys offers powerful renaming capabilities, making it the fastest and most efficient way to rename multiple files at once. With the PowerToys renaming feature, users can find and remove characters inside the name of a file while also changing the file name case and the extension if desired. In addition, users have the ability to rename using sequential numbers, allowing for a greater level of customization and improved organization of files and folders.
Read: How to rename multiple Files or Folders at once in Windows
How do I rename multiple files sequentially in Windows?
Select the files you wish to rename multiple files in File Explorer. Then press F2 on your keyboard to select the last file in the list. You can then type in the desired name for all selected files and press Enter. All files will receive the same name, with successive numbers in parentheses to differentiate them. For example, if you selected three files and wanted to name them all “document”, the files will be renamed to “document (1)”, “document (2)”, and “document (3)” respectively.
article subject is better with 7,8,10, then 10 only.
I’m using Advanced Renamer for a long time now. Works great and it’s really freeware. Also clean, no adware/malware or other junk.
Bulk Rename Utility
Yes >>> https://www.thewindowsclub.com/advanced-renamer-batch-rename-files :)
renaming the file extension without converting the file format is never an acceptable practice.
Thank you! You just saved me a ton of time with this. I had to convert 2,376 files to the .ogg extension and you automated it so easily. Thanks again.
Actually it is, example: when the extension *.SoundNodeWave is actually an .ogg in disguise, it is more than acceptable. Never say never.
i just want to know why when i do this it take 10 minute to rename 12 files
when i press shift R in my folder nothing comes up. What am i doing wrong?
He didn’t mean press “Shift” and then “R”…you need to hold down the “Shift” key on the keyboard and while you’re holding it, Left-click with your mouse. Then you can let go of “Shift” key and see the option in the menu.
I did this on Windows 10 and it went 1 2 1 2 3 4 5..etc. Why did it do 1 & 2 twice? It mucks up my file numbering.
Try KrojamSoft BatchRename
Thank you very much! Saved a lot of time!
Thank you for the helpful info, but there seems to be a typo in the example. The command
ren *.* *.jpg
Will not work without a trailing *
Windows rename system is always great. If you find any trouble and if you want to check any other software for batch rename files- than you can search on google by this keyword- BatchRenameFiles Tool.
Hope you will get good result.
Thanks
Jonathan F.
Windows batch rename file will work with windows operating system well. But if you feel you are facing trouble than you can check a software on google. Named- BatchRenameFiles Tool. Hope my software will help you.
Thanks
Jonathan F.
What about when you have lots of MOV files, and you can’t import them to a video editor? You simply change the extension to .mp4, and magically it can – because they are both h.264 encoded. Because that’s what I often have to do. It is quite often an acceptable practice if you want to navigate the many silly little quirks of many different programs.
I didn’t get the option to open a command window with Shift/right click – thoughts anyone?
Very useful MSDOS operation and commands. Thanks a lot Mr Anand.
But, one question. Sir, can we make a batch rename of files avoiding brackets. i.e. Instead of making it INDIA(1).JPG, INDIA(2).JPG…Can we make the INDIA1.JPG, INDIA2.JPG and so on…
(A brace in the file names seems a little bit awkward…)
Thanks in advance..
Windows 10 replaced Command window with PowerShell. See https://www.thewindowsclub.com/restore-open-command-window-here-windows-10
I badly needed this to rename my iPhone’s video extensions to play in Adobe Premiere pro.
Thanks a lot.
Hi, same note opening ‘Power-shell’ instead. However still doesn’t work, i get this error message:
“>>PS S:Dropbox1-ACTIVEA-DATAA.01-PROJECTSA.01.B – PROPOSALS LIVEP.159-Colin & Rocky House4.INFOD-Notes_invoices> ren *.* *.jpeg
>>ren : Cannot process argument because the value of argument “path” is not valid. Change the value of the “path” argument and run the operation again.
At line:1 char:1
+ ren *.* *.jpeg
+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+ CategoryInfo : InvalidArgument: (:) [Rename-Item], PSArgumentException
+ FullyQualifiedErrorId :
Argument,Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.RenameItemCommand”