REN: Renames a file or files.

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19045.3693]
(c) Copyright 1985-2023 Microsoft Corp.

C:\\WINDOWS>

Renames a file or files.

RENAME [drive:][path]filename1 filename2.
REN [drive:][path]filename1 filename2.

Note that you cannot specify a new drive or path for your destination file.

The `REN` (Rename) command in Windows Command Prompt is used to rename files or directories. Here are some examples of using the `REN` command: Example 1: Rename file:

REN OldFile.txt NewFile.txt

Description: This command renames the file "OldFile.txt" to "NewFile.txt". Example 2: Rename directory:

REN OldDirectory NewDirectory

Description: Here the directory "OldDirectory" is renamed to "NewDirectory". Example 3: Rename with relative paths:

REN ..\OldFolder ..\NewFolder

Description: By using relative paths, files or directories in parent or child directories can be renamed. Example 4: Change file extension:

REN document.txt document.doc

Description: Here the file extension is changed from “Document.txt” to “Document.doc”. Example 5: Use wildcards:

REN *.txt *.bak

Description: This command changes the file extensions of all text files in the current directory from ".txt" to ".bak". Example 6: Rename directory with subfolders:

REN /S OldMain Directory NewMain Directory

Description: Using the `/S` option renames the main directory including all subfolders. It is important to note that the `REN` command is powerful and care should be taken, especially when used with wildcards or recursively (`/S`). It is recommended that you perform a backup before applying the command to avoid accidental data loss.

There are a few important points to note when using the `REN` (Rename) command in the Windows Command Prompt: 1. Spaces and special characters: If file or directory names contain spaces or special characters, they must be enclosed in double quotes. This ensures that the `REN` command interprets the file or directory name correctly.

   REN "Old Name.txt" "New Name.txt"
   

2. File Extensions: The `REN` command can also be used to change file extensions. Make sure to use the correct syntax.

   REN document.txt document.doc
   

3. Wildcards and Patterns: The `REN` command supports wildcards, which are useful for renaming multiple files at once. For example:

   REN *.txt *.bak
   

This changes the file extensions of all text files in the current directory from ".txt" to ".bak". 4. `/S` option (recursive): The `/S` option can be used to apply the command recursively to subfolders. Be careful when using this option to avoid unwanted renames in many files and directories.

   REN /S OldMain Directory NewMain Directory
   

5. Be careful when overwriting: Make sure that the new name is not already in use by an existing file or directory. The `REN` command overwrites without warning. 6. Perform a backup: Especially when renaming multiple files or directories, it is advisable to perform a backup to avoid accidental data loss. It is important to use the `REN` command with caution, especially when using wildcards or the recursive option. Carefully check the intended files or directories to be renamed to avoid unwanted consequences.