How to use this text tool
- Paste a Windows filename or a list of filenames.
- Select a replacement style and maximum length.
- Run the cleaner to detect reserved names and invalid endings.
- Copy the cleaned filename.
#492 · Utility & Safety Text Tool
Windows Filename Cleaner
Clean filenames for Windows Explorer, NTFS, ZIP files, and common desktop workflows. Remove forbidden characters, fix reserved device names, trim invalid endings, and produce a copy-ready Windows-safe filename.
Text Input
Paste or upload textchars
Recent History
No history yet.
Ad space
What this tool does
This cleaner applies Windows-focused filename rules, including invalid characters, reserved device names, trailing spaces, and trailing periods.
Windows forbidden characters are removed, reserved names are renamed, and long names are shortened when needed.
Path length may also depend on parent folders and Windows configuration.
Example
Input: CON?.txt → Output: CON_file.txt
Use cases
- Fixing download names for Windows users
- Cleaning backup filenames
- Preparing filenames for shared drives
- Avoiding Explorer rename errors
Tips for better output
- Avoid CON, PRN, AUX, NUL, COM1, and LPT1 names.
- Do not end filenames with a period or space.
- Keep names below 255 characters.
- Use simple separators for better compatibility.
Processing details
Windows forbidden characters are removed, reserved names are renamed, and long names are shortened when needed.
Path length may also depend on parent folders and Windows configuration.
FAQ
How do I fix a filename that Windows says is not valid?
This tool helps with that by processing pasted text locally, showing safety issues, and generating copy-ready output for windows filename cleaner workflows.
Why are CON and AUX not allowed as Windows filenames?
This tool helps with that by processing pasted text locally, showing safety issues, and generating copy-ready output for windows filename cleaner workflows.
How do I remove characters Windows Explorer cannot use?
This tool helps with that by processing pasted text locally, showing safety issues, and generating copy-ready output for windows filename cleaner workflows.
What is the maximum safe filename length on Windows?
This tool helps with that by processing pasted text locally, showing safety issues, and generating copy-ready output for windows filename cleaner workflows.
How do I batch clean Windows filenames before uploading files?
This tool helps with that by processing pasted text locally, showing safety issues, and generating copy-ready output for windows filename cleaner workflows.
Related text tools
Tool modules
| Module | Role |
|---|---|
| Windows rules | Applies Windows filename restrictions |
| Reserved names | Detects CON, PRN, AUX, NUL, COM and LPT names |
| Length check | Warns about long filenames |
| Export | Downloads cleanup report |
Browse more text tools
CallText category hubsWord & CharacterCount words, characters, letters, sentences, paragraphs, lines, pages, and unique words.View all
Text ConverterConvert case, slugs, titles, lists, and plain text formats.View all
Text FormatterFormat pasted drafts, spacing, indentation, paragraphs, and structured text.View all
Text CleanerRemove duplicate lines, empty lines, extra spaces, hidden characters, and messy formatting.View all
JSON · CSV · XMLFormat, validate, clean, convert, compare, and export structured data.View all
Markdown · HTMLConvert, clean, preview, strip, escape, and format web writing formats.View all
Regex · EncodingTest patterns, replace matches, encode, decode, and inspect text safely.View all
SEO · Social · LanguagePrepare search snippets, captions, hashtags, keywords, and language-focused text.View all