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Short answer
In Folder Rules, match a small set of filenames, choose Rename, then a Name adjustment. Preview before saving. For example, add Reviewed- to names starting with note-. The finished name no longer starts with note-, so the rule will not keep adding the prefix.
This guide covers Folder Rules. Check requirements and download options before you begin.
Before you start
- Folder Rules from Microsoft Store and Windows 11 24H2 or later on an x64 PC.
- A test folder on a fixed local NTFS drive outside cloud/sync folders and network shares. Check File system in the drive's Properties in File Explorer.
- Two harmless text files named note-one.txt and note-two.txt, plus an unrelated PDF that should stay untouched. Use copies for this first test.
Start here
Choose the sample folder
In Folder Rules, select Choose folder and choose the test folder. Select Add rule and enter a Rule name such as Mark reviewed notes.
Match the original names only
Set Item type to File and enter txt in File extensions (optional). Under More conditions, enter note-*.txt in Name pattern (* and ?). The asterisk matches the rest of the name. Leave Include subfolders off.
Add a prefix
Under Do this, choose Rename. Set Name adjustment to Add text at the start. Enter Reviewed- in Text to add at the start. Set If the name already exists to Keep both. Renaming changes the name in the current folder; it does not need a destination.
Check the preview, then save
Select Preview. Only note-one.txt and note-two.txt should match; the sample PDF should not. Choose Save rule when correct. Saving checks matching files already present as well as new arrivals.
Open the renamed files
Check Activity and the folder. With no name conflicts, you should see Reviewed-note-one.txt and Reviewed-note-two.txt. Open both and check their text. The PDF should keep its name. Pause the app or switch off this test rule when finished.
Check your result
- Only the two intended text files were renamed; the PDF stayed untouched.
- The new names begin with Reviewed-note-, so they no longer match note-*.txt.
- Both renamed files open with the expected contents, and Activity has no unresolved outcome.
Why the name pattern matters
A rule that matches every txt file can still match a file after adding a prefix. The sample deliberately requires a name beginning with note-. Reviewed-note-one.txt no longer begins that way, so this rule will not keep adding Reviewed- on later checks.
When adapting the example, choose conditions that exclude the finished name. Preview again after changing the pattern or adjustment; do not use your only copies as the test.
If the new name already exists
Keep both chooses an available different name instead of replacing the existing item. Read Activity and inspect the actual result rather than assuming a fixed numbered suffix.
If you choose Skip instead, a conflicting item can remain with its old name. Check the outcome before repeating the operation.
If the intended rule does not run
Every condition must match, and an earlier matching rule controls the action. Check the rule order, extension and name pattern, then inspect Activity for a waiting or unsupported-item reason.
Use Add text at the end or Prefix with last modified date only when that is the naming result you need. Test the chosen adjustment separately instead of combining an untested naming change with other folder work.
Folder Rules
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