In this guide, we will be taking a look at how you can easily rename folders in bulk in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Sometimes you might want to rename a load of folders and this can take a long time. Luckily there are easier ways of doing.
Renaming folders in bulk in Windows can greatly improve your productivity, especially when dealing with a large number of folders that need consistent naming conventions.
Below, I’ve outlined several methods you can use to accomplish this task, ranging from basic Windows functionality to more advanced techniques using our software.
Table Of Contents
How To Rename Folders In Bulk In Windows
You might want to back up your folders before performing a bulk rename, just in case anything was to take a turn for the worse.
Method 1: Using File Explorer (Manual Bulk Rename)
This method involves using the built-in File Explorer in Windows but is more manual and works best for a small number of folders.
- Open File Explorer: Navigate to the location where the folders you want to rename are located.
- Select Folders: Click on the first folder you want to rename, then hold down the
Shift
key and click on the last folder to select a range, or holdCtrl
and click to select folders individually. - Rename Folders: Right-click on the first selected folder and choose
Rename
. Type the new name for this folder and pressEnter
. This will rename the selected folder, but not the others in bulk.
Method 2: Using Easy System Utility PRO
Easy System Utility is made by ComputerSluggish and has a user-friendly interface for bulk renaming files and folders, let’s take a look at how you can use it. But you will need the PRO version.
Download Easy System Utility here
Now click on the Folders and Files tab then Rename Folders
Now select Add Folder and add the folders you want to rename in bulk
Now change the Settings at the bottom
Now click on Rename Folders and you are done!
As you can see in File Explorer the folders have been renamed on Windows
Method 3: Using PowerShell Script
For a more powerful and flexible bulk renaming, you can use PowerShell, which is built into Windows.
- Open PowerShell: Right-click the Start button, then select
Windows PowerShell (Admin)
orWindows Terminal (Admin)
. - Navigate to the Directory: Use the
cd
command to change to the directory containing the folders you want to rename. For example:
cd C:\Path\To\Your\Folders
- Bulk Rename Command: Use a command similar to the following, which will rename folders by adding a prefix, suffix, or making other pattern-based changes:
Get-ChildItem -Directory | ForEach-Object { Rename-Item $_.FullName -NewName ("NewPrefix_" + $_.Name) }
This example adds “NewPrefix_” to the beginning of each folder name. Modify the ("NewPrefix_" + $_.Name)
part to suit your renaming needs.
Tips for Success
- Backup First: Before using any bulk renaming operation, especially scripts or third-party tools, make a backup of your folders to avoid accidental loss of important data.
- Test First: If using a script or new tool, try renaming a small number of folders first to ensure the results are what you expect.
- Understand Patterns: When using scripts or tools that allow pattern-based renaming, take the time to understand how these patterns work to avoid unexpected results.
Final Thoughts
By following these methods, you should be able to efficiently rename folders in bulk in Windows 10/11, whether you’re organizing files for personal use, business, or development purposes. It is really handy to know how to bulk rename folders in Windows with ease.