It is a tedious task to rename hundreds of files one by one. Here are given ways you can bulk rename files in your computer.

Method # 1: Using File Explorer

This is relatively difficult to accomplish especially if you’ve too many files to rename. This may not be a feasible way for businesses and organizations.

1. Click on the File Explorer icon on your Taskbar.
2. Go to the directory that contains the files that you wish to rename.
3. Select the top-most file in the list.
4. Press the F2 key of your keyboard, and type a new name for the file.
5. Press the Tab key to jump over to the next file in sequence.
6. Type a new name, and then repeat the same procedure over and again.

The problem with this approach is it can take an enormous amount of time and you may not be able to maintain consistency in the overall operation of renaming files. 

Method # 2: Using Windows PowerShell

Windows PowerShell is a command-line shell, just like Command Prompt. It is an advanced interactive prompt for system administrators that provides a combination of features to independently manage and configure Windows functions.

Windows PowerShell allows you to rename hundreds of thousands of files in a matter of few seconds. However, there are some words of caution while using PowerShell. Typing incorrect commands or filenames could result in severe data loss. It is important that you backup your data first, and put utmost caution while typing any commands.

There are several ways of opening PowerShell:

Opening PowerShell

Using Start Menu

1. Click on the Start button, type PowerShell.
2. Right-click Windows PowerShell in the Search Results.
3. Select Run as Administrator.

Using Context Menu

Alternatively, use another shortcut method:

1. Right-click your Taskbar.
2. Select Windows PowerShell (Admin).

PowerShell will now be launched with required administrative privileges.

Set Default Directory

First and foremost, we’ll need to change the default directory from C:

Windows\System32. To do so, use the following command:

Syntax:

Set-Location -Path <Your Directory>

Example:

Set-Location -Path C:\Users\Vikas\Documents\

Now, let’s move on to the actual task.

Only Remove Spaces

If you wish to simply remove spaces from filenames, use the following command:

Syntax:

Dir | Rename-Item -NewName {$_.name -replace “<Character to Remove>“,””}

Example:

Dir | Rename-Item -NewName {$_.name -replace “ “,””}

Remove & Replace Spaces With Apostrophe

To eliminate spaces and replace them with a specific character (for example, an apostrophe), use the command given below:

Syntax:

Dir | Rename-Item -NewName {$_.name -replace “<Find What>“,”<Replace With>“}

Example:

Dir | Rename-Item -NewName {$_.name -replace “ “,”_“}

These are just a few examples. You can accomplish much more and rename files in similar pattern depending on your requirements.

Method 3: Using Easy File Renamer Software (Simple, Quick & Secure Way)

Easy File Renamer is a handy tool that lets you rename bulk files any way you like in any pattern. It doesn’t require any effort on the user’s side. Simply select the source folder, and choose a renaming pattern. 

Key Features

Some of the key features of this tool are given below:

• Split file names into different parts
• Remove or rename a portion of your filenames
• Add incremental number
• Add or remove suffix/ prefix
• Trim text
• Add numbering
• Change case to lower/ upper
• Batch rename files on the cloud
• Securely integrates with a cloud account with no need to separately download any files
• Update music tags/ Remove irrelevant details
• Move/ copy files with high speed with no errors

Simple Procedure

1. Visit the Easy File Renamer official website.
2. Click on the large Download Easy File Renamer button.
3. Save the setup to your Desktop and open it after completion.
4. Follow the simple installer and run the program.
5. In the main interface, click on the Files tab.
6. Select the option All files from a folder.
7. Click Add Files.
8. Select the target folder that contains your files.
9. Click on OK.
10. Easy File Renamer will automatically add up and show the list of files on your screen.
11. Now, click on the Select Rule drop-down box.
12. Select Remove Text.
13. In the Text input box, type a blank space and select one of the following options:
    • Remove first
    • Remove last
    • Remove all
14. Click Add Rule to confirm.
15. Finally, click the Rename button and EFR will automatically bulk rename all your files.