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.
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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?
Paste the relevant text into Windows Filename Cleaner, choose the options that match your goal, and run the tool. Review the output and metrics to fix a filename that windows says is not valid before copying or downloading the result.
Why are CON and AUX not allowed as Windows filenames?
The result in Windows Filename Cleaner depends on the exact input, selected options, encoding, and formatting. For “Why are CON and AUX not allowed as Windows filenames?”, compare the original and processed text and review any warnings shown by the tool.
How do I remove characters Windows Explorer cannot use?
Paste the relevant text into Windows Filename Cleaner, choose the options that match your goal, and run the tool. Review the output and metrics to remove characters windows explorer cannot use before copying or downloading the result.
What is the maximum safe filename length on Windows?
Windows Filename Cleaner reports the tool-specific output and supporting metrics directly in your browser. For “What is the maximum safe filename length on Windows?”, use the displayed result, interpretation, and example together rather than relying on one number alone.
How do I batch clean Windows filenames before uploading files?
Paste the relevant text into Windows Filename Cleaner, choose the options that match your goal, and run the tool. Review the output and metrics to batch clean windows filenames before uploading files before copying or downloading the result.
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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 |
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