Windows
Linux
File Management
PowerShell File Cmdlets
Windows PowerShell Rename-Item equivalent in Linux
Renames a file or directory.
Windows
→
PowerShell Rename-Item
Linux equivalents
mv old_name new_name
mv old_name new_name
mv old_name new_name
Overview
What this command does
Renames a file or directory.
Migration tip: Check the distro-specific rows before copying; package names and service names can differ even when the tool name is similar.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Rename a file
Renames a file or directory.
mv old_name new_name
Rename a file
mv --help
Show command help when supported
man mv
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
mv old_name new_name
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: PowerShell Rename-Item
mv old_name new_nameReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
mv old_name new_name | Rename a file |
mv --help | Show command help when supported |
man mv | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
The equivalent is shown for Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch. Some rows use a different package manager or helper tool where Linux distributions commonly diverge.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | mv old_name new_name |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | mv old_name new_name |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | mv old_name new_name |
Same command on this distribution. |
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