How to Change Multiple File Extensions in Windows 11

To change multiple file extensions in Windows 11, use Command Prompt’s ren command in a folder containing only copies of the files you want to change, or use Microsoft PowerToys PowerRename to preview an extension-only change. For example, ren *.jpeg *.jpg changes the endings of matching filenames in the current folder.

Changing an extension does not convert the contents. This example uses two names for the same JPEG format. Renaming text files to PDF, or PNG images to JPG, does not create those formats. For conversion or a single rename, use the Windows file-type guide.

Prepare a Small, Separate Batch

Keep your originals untouched. Create a new working folder and copy only the files whose actual format supports the new extension. Leave out folders, programs, system files and unrelated documents. Close the copies in their apps.

In File Explorer, select View > Show > File name extensions to see the full names. The extension-display guide explains that setting. Check for name clashes: photo.jpeg would conflict with photo.jpg in the same folder.

Try two or three copies first. Selecting several files in File Explorer and choosing Rename doesn’t reliably replace extensions, so use one of the methods below.

Method 1: Command Prompt, Without Installing an App

These commands are for Command Prompt, not PowerShell. Microsoft documents the rename command, which also works as ren and accepts wildcards for multiple files.

1. Find the working folder’s full path. Open it in File Explorer and copy its location from the address bar. A path might be C:\Users\YourName\Documents\Extension test; use your own location.
2. Open Command Prompt. Search for Command Prompt in Start and open it normally. There are also other ways to open Command Prompt in Windows 11. Administrator mode is unnecessary for copies in a folder you can modify.
3. Change to that folder. Enter the following command, replacing the quoted example path with yours, then press Enter:

cd /d "C:\Users\YourName\Documents\Extension test"

Microsoft’s cd documentation explains that /d changes the drive as well as the directory. Enter cd by itself to check the current location. Stop if it is not your working folder.

Once Command Prompt shows your working folder, rename the files:

1. List the copies. Run dir /b /a:-d *.jpeg. This shows the matching filenames, without folders. Check that only the files you want are listed.
2. Change the endings. For this JPEG example, enter ren *.jpeg *.jpg and press Enter. The asterisk keeps each file’s name and changes only the ending.
3. Check the folder. Run dir /b /a:-d again. For example, photo.jpeg should now be photo.jpg, and holiday.photo.jpeg should be holiday.photo.jpg. Open one copy to make sure it still works.

The command only changes files in the current folder, not in subfolders. Microsoft’s dir reference notes that wildcards can also match older short filenames, which is another reason to work in a separate folder of copies.

A similar one-folder approach works for archives: you can unzip multiple files at once on Windows 11 with one PowerShell command.

Method 2: PowerRename With a Preview

Microsoft’s PowerRename utility offers a visual check before applying a batch change. If needed, follow Microsoft’s PowerToys installation guide, then open PowerToys and enable PowerRename.

1. Select only the copies you want to rename in Explorer. Right-click and choose Rename with PowerRename. It may be under Show more options, depending on its context-menu setting.
2. Set Apply to to Extension only. For this example, search for jpeg and replace with jpg. Leave Use regular expressions off.
3. Include files; exclude folders and subfolders. Review each original and proposed name. The base names should remain intact, and no unintended file should change.

4. If the preview looks right, select Apply, then open one renamed copy to check it. If it looks wrong, close PowerRename without applying.

Errors, Undo and Recovery

• A duplicate-name error appears: a file with the new name already exists in the folder. Files without a conflict are still renamed, so check the whole batch; an error does not mean nothing changed.
• File not found: verify the current folder and full source endings. Do not broaden the pattern to all files just to remove the error.
• Access is denied or a file is in use: close its app and check permission to modify the working folder. Ask its owner if access is restricted.
• A renamed file stops opening: change it back to its original ending or go back to the untouched original. Renaming cannot repair damaged contents.
• You used PowerRename: Explorer’s Ctrl + Z can undo the last rename. Use it promptly and check the result. Your original copies remain the fallback.
• You used Command Prompt: do not rely on Explorer Undo. A reverse wildcard can also affect files that already had the target ending, so avoid a blind reverse batch; use the originals or restore the affected names individually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same command for any file type?

The naming pattern can be adapted, but only when the new ending accurately describes the existing contents. It cannot make an unsupported file compatible or convert documents, images or videos.

Does this change the application that opens the file?

A changed suffix can affect Windows’ choice of app. If the file’s ending is already correct and you only want another app, change the file association instead; the linked file-type guide explains the difference.