System command

rename command

Rename files or directories; this is an alias of ren.

Availability: Microsoft Learn command reference spanning Windows client and Windows Server releases; some entries are legacy, role-specific, optional-feature or interactive subcommands.中文

Documented syntax

ren [<drive>:][<path>]<filename1> <filename2>

The linked Microsoft Learn article is the upstream authority. Availability may depend on Windows release, role, optional feature or interactive tool context.

Examples

Example usage for rename.

rename draft.txt final.txt

Parameters, options and clauses

Option / clause	Description
`<filename1>`	Specify the existing file or directory name; wildcards are supported.
`<filename2>`	Specify the new name; rename does not move items to a different path.
`[<drive>:][<path>]<filename1>`	Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context.
`/?`	Display command help or the supported command-line usage.
`<drive>`	Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context.
`<path>`	Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context.

Safety note

Review a command and its target before running it. Commands that alter files, services, accounts, disks, permissions or databases may be difficult to reverse. Test in a safe environment and keep backups.

Official reference ↗Back to directory