When you copy a file in File Explorer using drag'n'drop or via copy-paste in the same folder, the copied file will get a new name like this: "Filename - Copy". In Windows 10, it is possible to customize the copied file name template and turn it into another desired string. Let's see how it can be done.
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For example, I have a text file named "Winaero.txt" in my Documents folder. When I select this file in File Explorer and press Ctrl + C and then Ctrl + V, a copy of my file will be created and named as "Winaero - Copy.txt".
To customize this behavior, you need to do the following:
- Open Registry Editor.
- Go to the following path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\NamingTemplates
Tip: See how to jump to the desired Registry key with one click.
If you don't have the NamingTemplates subkey, then just create it. - Create a string value named CopyNameTemplate. Set its value data as follows:
By default, the value of CopyNameTemplate is assumed to be%s - Copy
So, if you set the CopyNameTemplate value data to:
%s
then this will remove the " - Copy" part. The file copy will be named as Filename(1), Filename(2) and so on. I think this is a good modification.
You can also add some additional text before or after the "%s" part, so it will be used in the copied file name. For example, you can set CopyNameTemplate value data to
Duplicate of %s
The result will be as follows:
If you set CopyNameTemplate value data to
%s (duplicate)
then you will get the following naming:
The changes will take effect immediately. You don't need to sign out from your user account or restart Windows 10.
This tweak should also work in Windows 7 and Windows 8.
To revert the changes you made, delete the mentioned CopyNameTemplate string value from the Registry.
That's it.
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Hmm… but its not possible to use variables e.g. %Date%? ;)
I have not tried. But I am 99% sure it is not possible.
Many of these tricks are not new nor exclusive to Windows 10, so if I can make a suggestion: remove the “10” from article titles (or make it “7, 8.1, 10”) to make it more clear. I know you included it at the very end in the article, but everyone looks at the title first and might miss it. Also, all these “10” articles create the wrong impression that you recommend or advertise Windows 10 or that it has more options (which is not true).
For some reasons when I tried to make a 3rd copy from the (2)nd copy the name of the new file seems to behave weirdly. Anyone knows how to solve this?
So it automatically add the space between “name” and “(1)” for instance “FileName (1)”. I’d love to remove the space to have “FileName(1)”. Is it possible?
No. Unfortunately, this behavior can’t be changed.
wow. thank you.
I used %s1. It will add 1 to every new copy then (2), (3)… (n) to new ones, but I use to make only one duplicate at a time.
Btw, Windows should move the cursor to the end of the name but before the extension when pressing right arrow for the first time when renaming!
I love this hacks.
Regards.