loop through directory names using a batch file?

Question

Assume I have this structure:

d:/
  -- /alpha/
  -- /beta/
  -- /gamma/
  -- /delta/

I'm trying to execute a batch file that goes through those folders (but not through sub-folders within them).

How do I get this result using a FOR LOOP (assuming I don't know the name and quantity of the folders):

ren alpha alpha1
ren beta beta1
ren gamma gamma1
ren delta delta1

T.J. Crowder · Accepted Answer · 2022-04-10 09:44:38Z

40

This is all you should need -- directly at the command prompt:

for /D %i in (*) do rename "%i" "%i1"

or in a batch file (note the doubled %):

for /D %%i in (*) do rename "%%i" "%%i1"

The /D performs the command against the directory names, as per the help, which can be obtained using the command for /?

If Command Extensions are enabled, the following additional forms of the FOR command are supported:

FOR /D %variable IN (set) DO command [command-parameters]
If set contains wildcards, then specifies to match against directory
names instead of file names.

edited Apr 10, 2022 at 9:44

T.J. Crowder

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answered Oct 15, 2013 at 11:32

David Martin

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6 Comments

foxidrive Over a year ago

for /D %%a in (*) do rename "%%a" "%%a1" <--- use this style in a batch file. The important changes are the doubled percent signs, and the quotes allow you to handle long path names.

Andriy M Over a year ago

Ah yes, enclosing the names in quotation marks is a good idea too, thanks for the heads-up @foxidrive.

CinCout Over a year ago

This will run the command for the current directory! What changes to make to run it for any specific directory, say C:\New ?

David Martin Over a year ago

Just put the path where the wildcards are, e.g. (c:\new\*)

Kev Over a year ago

@Neoryder, put them in parentheses ()

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