How to rename multiple files at once on Windows
Short answer
To rename many files at once on Windows you can select them all in File Explorer and press F2, but that only adds numbers in parentheses. For real control, a batch rename tool like AppRig lets you stack rules (find and replace, add prefix or suffix, sequential numbering, change case) with a live preview and one-click undo before anything is written.
The manual way
File Explorer can rename a batch of files: select several, press F2 (or right-click and choose Rename), then type one name. Windows applies that name to every selected file and appends (1), (2), (3), and so on to keep them unique.
That is the entire feature. There is no find-and-replace, no custom numbering format, no way to change case, and no preview of the result before you commit. If the built-in numbering is not what you want, or you need to rename based on a pattern rather than a single fixed name, you are out of luck.
The faster way with AppRig
AppRig’s Rename sub-tool works across a whole folder, optionally recursing into subfolders and filtering by a glob pattern so you only touch the files you mean to. Instead of one operation, you stack ordered rules: remove text, add a prefix or suffix, find and replace, insert sequential numbers using # placeholders, and change case across six different styles.
A live preview shows the result of every rule with inline diffs, and it flags naming conflicts before you apply anything. Applying the batch is atomic, and if something looks wrong afterward, a one-click undo puts every file back the way it was.
See the full AppRig how-to in the docs →
Related questions
AppRig does this and more, all in one local-first Windows app. See what AppRig does →