How to Copy File Names in Windows Explorer

by C. Taylor
If your business works with and shares numerous files, copying file names can
save a lot of time. Typing a file name is easy when the name is short, but long,
complex names with special characters are more difficult. The good news is
you can copy file names just like normal text within Windows Explorer.
However, if you want to also copy the file extension, you need to display the
hidden extension first.
Ads by Google

Free Image Download

Related Articles
How to Copy a List of Files in a Windows
Folder Into an Excel List
1,000,000 Free Photos Online Sign Up For Free Hi-Res Images! stockfreeimages.com
Display File Extensions
1. Click "Organize" in the Windows Explorer toolbar and select "Folder and
Search Options."

2. Click the "View" tab.

3. Uncheck "Hide Extensions for Known File Types." You will now be able to
How to Get a Spreadsheet of Programs &
copy the entire file name, including the extension.
Files on a Drive
4. Click "OK."

Copy File Name

How to Extract Long File Names in WinRAR
1. Open Windows Explorer and click the file to select it.

2. Press "F2" on your keyboard to select the name. This enables you to rename
the file or copy the name. Alternatively, right-click the file and select "Rename."
How to List All Files That Are on a Hard
Drive 3. Press "Ctrl-A" if you also need to copy the file extension. This requires the
previous unchecking of "Hide Extensions for Known File Types."

4. Press "Ctrl-C" to copy the file name.

5. Press "Enter" or click another location to exit the renaming mode.

Copy Entire List of Files

1. Hold the "Shift" key, right-click the folder containing a list of files and select "Open Command Window Here."

2. Type "dir /b > filenames.txt" (without quotation marks) in the Command Prompt window. Press "Enter."

3. Double-click the "filenames.txt" file from the previously selected folder to see a list of file names in that folder.

4. Press "Ctrl-A" and then "Ctrl-C" to copy the list of file names to your clipboard.
Ads by Google

Free Image Download

1,000,000 Free Photos Online
Sign Up For Free Hi-Res Images!
  stockfreeimages.com

Tip
When you're ready to paste the file names, click your paste location in the appropriate program and press "Ctrl-V."

Sponsored Stories Recommended by

Looking for a Luxury Home? Find the 7 tricks to learn any language in just I bet you’re gonna love this game :)
Best Properties Available 7 days Play with your friends!
Mansion Global by Dow Jones Babbel Elvenar
References (1)  (#)
Photo Credits
Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Suggest an Article Correction