Rename multiple files in Microsoft Windows XP Explorer by following the steps below.

  • Open Explorer.

  • In Explorer, select all the files you want to rename.

  • How to select or highlight multiple files and folders.

  • Once the files are selected press F2 and type the new name for the files. For example, typing “test” renames the files to test, test(1), test(2), test(3) etc.

If you need each of the files renamed as a different name, you can also quickly go through files by following the steps below.

If you have show file extensions enabled, make sure to also type the name of the file extension you’re renaming.

  • Highlight the first file and press F2.
  • This action opens rename for the highlighted file. After the file is renamed press Tab to go to the next file.

Finally, if the above suggestions don’t help or you need a more powerful tool for renaming multiple files in Windows we suggest the Bulk Rename Utility.

  • See our rename definition for further information and related links on this term.