How to Rename Excel Files in Multiple Fast Way (2026 Guide)

Part 1. Fatest Methods: How to Batch Rename Multiple Excel Files at Once

If you often download or export Excel files with similar names, manually renaming each one can be slow and frustrating. This is where batch rename Excel files methods help. With the right tools, you can rename Excel file names in bulk and keep your folders clean and well-organized.

1. On Windows 10/11: Using Built-in Windows File Explorer

Windows File Explorer provides a simple built-in way to bulk rename files without installing any software. It's best for quick renaming when you want the same base name with automatic numbering.

Steps to Bulk Rename Excel Files on Windows:

• Open File Explorer and navigate to your Excel files folder.

• Select all files you want to rename (Ctrl+A or Ctrl+click individual files).

• Right-click the first selected file and choose "Rename" (or press F2).



• Type the desired name pattern (e.g., "Q1_Report") and press Enter. Press Enter. Files auto-rename sequentially: "Q1_Report (1).xlsx", "Q1_Report (2).xlsx", etc.

The system automatically adds numbering in parentheses. For example, if you type "Budget Report", files become "Budget Report (1).xlsx", "Budget Report (2).xlsx", etc.

Advanced tip:

For custom numbering patterns, use PowerShell or Command Prompt with the "ren" command.

2. On Mac: Using Professional Batch File Renamer (Tenorshare Cleamio)

Mac users who want more control than Finder offers should use a professional tool. Tenorshare Cleamio is an AI-powered solution designed to rename Excel file collections accurately and efficiently.

Instead of basic numbering, Cleamio can rename files based on content, date, file type, and other smart rules, making it perfect for large folders. With just a few clicks, you can efficiently and accurately bulk rename files.

Why Use Tenorshare Cleamio for Bulk Rename Files?

• AI-powered batch rename
• Preview file names before applying changes
• Rename hundreds of Excel files safely
• Clean, beginner-friendly interface
• 100% clean and secure, notarized by Apple

Steps to batch rename Excel files with Tenorshare Cleamio:

• Launch Tenorshare Cleamio on your Mac. Select "AI File Renamer" from the left menu and click "Start".

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• Click the "+" button or drag and drop your Excel files (XLSX) into the tool.



• Click the lower-right Gear icon to customize renaming options. Choose an output language. Select rename format (Content, Date, Type, Owner, etc.). Then click "Start Renaming".



• Preview the renamed Excel files. Click "Confirm" to save, or Regenerate to adjust names.

This method is ideal if you regularly batch rename Excel files and want professional-level results with minimal effort.

Part 2. How to Rename an Excel File Quickly (Basic Methods + Shortcuts)

Renaming Excel files is a fundamental skill that helps maintain an organized file system. Whether working on Windows, Mac, or mobile devices, several quick methods exist for changing file names efficiently.

1. On Windows: Rename an Excel File in File Explorer or Using Shortcuts

On Windows, File Explorer offers the fastest way to rename Excel files. You can use the right-click menu for beginners or keyboard shortcuts if you want to work faster. These methods work whether the Excel file is closed or stored locally on your PC.

Steps (File Explorer):

• Open File Explorer. Find the Excel file you want to rename.

• Right-click the file. Click "Rename".



• Type the new name and press "Enter'

Shortcut to rename Excel files on Windows:

• Select the file. Press F2 or double click on the file.

• Type the new name and press Enter.

2. On Mac: Rename in Finder or Using Shortcuts

On macOS, Excel files can be renamed easily using Finder. The process is smooth and fast, especially if you use keyboard shortcuts. You can rename files without opening Excel, which helps save time when managing multiple documents.

Steps (Finder):

• Select all the Excel files you want to rename (click one, then Cmd+A or Cmd+click others)

• Right-click the selected files and choose "Rename [X] Items..".

• In the Rename Finder Items window, choose your renaming format from the dropdown:

  • Replace Text - swap out part of filenames
  • Add Text - insert text before/after current names
  • Format - use a template with custom text and numbers

• Configure your options (what to replace/add, numbering format, etc.) and click "Rename".

Shortcut to rename Excel files on Mac:

• Select the file and press the "Return" keyboard.
• Type the new name and press "Enter".

Related topic:

Mac Finder Not Responding? Why & How to Fix It Fast!

3. On iPad/Mobile: In Excel App or File App

Renaming Excel files on mobile devices is also simple. Whether you're using an iPad, iPhone, or Android device, you can rename Excel files directly from the Excel app or your device's file manager in just a few taps.

Steps (Files App):

• Open the "Files" app and find the Excel file.

• Long-press the file or click the three-vertical-dot icon (if have).

• Tap "Rename". Enter a new name.

This method is ideal for quick edits when you're working on Excel files on the go.

Part 3. How to Rename an Excel Worksheet or Spreadsheet (Fast Shortcuts)

Users often need to rename individual worksheets to improve organization beyond renaming Excel files. Excel offers several efficient methods to accomplish this task.

Windows Keyboard Shortcuts for Renaming Worksheets

The fastest method is Alt+H+O+R. Press these keys in succession, not simultaneously, to highlight the sheet name for editing. After typing your new name, press Enter to confirm.

Mac Keyboard Options for Renaming Worksheets in Excel

Mac users can primarily use double-clicking as the quickest method since the equivalent keyboard shortcut isn't available.

Universal Methods for All Platforms

• Double-click directly on the sheet tab to highlight the current name.

• Right-click the sheet tab and select "Rename" from the context menu.



• On the Home tab, click Format in the Cells group, then select "Rename Sheet".

Advanced Method for Office 365

Recently, Microsoft added sheet tabs to the "F6 Loop" navigation system. Pressing F6 repeatedly moves focus through various Excel elements until it reaches the sheet tabs. Once selected, press Shift+F10 to open the context menu, select Rename, and type your new name.

Important Worksheet Naming Restrictions:

• Names cannot exceed 31 characters
• Cannot contain: / \ ? : [ ]
• Cannot begin/end with apostrophes
• Cannot be blank or named "History".

Consequently, names like "02/17/2026" would be invalid, but "02-17-2026" works perfectly.

Part 4. How to Rename Excel File in OneDrive & SharePoint

Cloud-based Excel files require different renaming approaches than local files. Microsoft's OneDrive and SharePoint platforms offer simple methods to rename spreadsheets without downloading them first.

1. On OneDrive

OneDrive makes it easy to rename Excel files directly from the web, desktop, or mobile app. You can quickly update file names without interrupting your workflow or downloading files to your computer.

From the OneDrive web interface:

• Go to OneDrive in your web browser

• Hover over the Excel file you wish to rename

• Click the three-dot (•••) that appears to the right of the filename

• Select "Rename" from the dropdown menu

• Enter the new name and click "Save".

Within Office web apps: Furthermore, users can rename files directly while working on them. Simply click the filename in the title bar at the top of the browser window and type the new name. This works effectively unless others are simultaneously editing the document.

Through the OneDrive mobile app: Select the file, tap the three-dot menu icon, then choose "Rename" and enter the new filename.

2. On SharePoint

SharePoint offers similar options to rename Excel files directly in document libraries. This is helpful for teams managing shared Excel files in organized project folders.

Via SharePoint document library:

• Open the document library containing your Excel file

• Hover over the file name

• Click the ellipses (...) beside the filename.

• Select "Rename" from the context menu.

• Type the new name in the dialog box and click "Save".

Through the information panel: Notably, in SharePoint's Modern View, users can select the file, click the Information Panel icon on the right side, scroll to the name field, modify it, and save changes.

Related topic:

How to Fix OneDrive SharePoint Sync Not Enough Free Space for Files? Fixed!

Part 5. Quick View Table on How to Rename Excel Files

Finding the ideal method to rename Excel files depends primarily on your specific needs. Below is a comparison table of the most effective approaches:

Please swipe to view

People Also Ask about Renaming Excel Files or Worksheets

Q1: Which shortcut can you use to rename a worksheet?

On Windows, the fastest shortcut key to rename a sheet in Excel is Alt + H + O + R (pressed in sequence). You can also double-click the sheet tab or right-click it and choose Rename. On Mac, use double-click or right-click.

Q2: How to rename an Excel file while open?

Excel doesn't let you rename an open file directly, but you can use File > Save As or press F12 to save it with a new name. In Microsoft 365, you can also click the file name in the title bar and rename it instantly.

Q3: How to rename an Excel file without saving?

Technically, Excel does not allow renaming a file without saving it. However, you can create a new workbook and rename it during the first Save As prompt before the file is officially saved.

Q4: How do you change the name of a document?

The simplest method is to locate the file in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), right-click it, select "Rename", type the new name, and press Enter. Indeed, this works for any document type, not just Excel files.

Conclusion

Knowing how to rename Excel files efficiently helps you stay organized across devices and platforms. For basic needs, File Explorer, Finder, and mobile file apps are enough.

But if you regularly manage large volumes or want smarter naming logic, Tenorshare Cleamio is the best upgrade. It offers AI-powered batch rename, previews, and clean, consistent results with minimal effort.

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