What is REN Windows command?

The Windows REN command is used to rename files or directories in the command prompt. By using this command, you can quickly and easily change the name of a file or group of files without having to open a graphical user interface. This can be especially useful when needing to rename multiple files at once or when automating tasks through scripts.

REN Syntax:

ren [option] [parameter] [newname]

REN Options:

Option	Description
/?	Displays help at the command prompt.

Caution

Exercise caution when using the ren command as renaming files or directories incorrectly can cause data loss or system errors.

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
[option]	Specifies command-line options that modify the behavior of the command. This is optional.
[parameter]	Specifies the file or directory that you want to rename.
[newname]	Specifies the new name for the file or directory.

REN Command Usage Examples:

Rename a File

ren file.txt newfile.txt

Rename the file “file.txt” to “newfile.txt”.

Rename a Directory

ren oldfolder newfolder

Rename the directory “oldfolder” to “newfolder”.

Rename File with Path

ren "C:\Folder\file.exe" newfile.exe

Rename the file “file.exe” located in the “C:\Folder” directory to “newfile.exe”.

Rename File with Wildcard

ren *.txt newfile.txt

Rename all files with the extension “.txt” to “newfile.txt”.

Rename File with Different Extension

ren oldfile.txt newfile.exe

Change the extension of the file “oldfile.txt” to “.exe”.

Tip

Remember that the ren command is used to rename files or directories in Windows Command Prompt. Make sure to use the correct syntax and provide the old name and new name of the file or directory.

How do I use ren in Windows?

To use the ren command in CMD, execute the following command:

ren "old_filename.txt" "new_filename.txt"

How to rename a directory using ren in Windows?

To rename a directory using the ren command, follow this syntax:

ren "old_directory" "new_directory"

Can I use ren to rename multiple files at once in Windows?

Yes, you can rename multiple files at once using the ren command with wildcards. Here’s an example:

ren *.txt *.doc

How to force overwrite an existing file when using ren in Windows?

To force overwrite an existing file with the same name when renaming, use the following command:

ren /-Y "old_filename.txt" "new_filename.txt"

Is it possible to include a path in the ren command for files in different directories?

You can specify a path in the ren command to rename files in different directories. Here’s an example:

ren "C:\Folder\old_filename.txt" "D:\NewFolder\new_filename.txt"

How to rename a file on a network drive using ren in Windows?

When renaming a file on a network drive with the ren command, ensure you have the necessary permissions and use the correct syntax:

ren "\\Server\Share\old_filename.txt" "new_filename.txt"

How to revert a file back to its original name after using the ren command in Windows?

If you need to revert a file back to its original name after using ren, simply swap the old and new names in the command:

ren "new_filename.txt" "old_filename.txt"

Can I use wildcards to rename files with specific patterns using ren in Windows?

Yes, you can use wildcards to rename files based on specific patterns. Here’s an example:

ren "prefix_*.txt" "new_prefix_*.txt"

Applications of the REN Command

• Renaming files
• Renaming directories/folders