How to batch rename files using PowerToys PowerRename on Windows 10

Although Windows 10 already allows you to rename multiple files at once, it’s not an intuitive experience, and using Command Prompt and PowerShell commands is user-friendly for most users. However, the PowerToys app for Windows 10 now includes an option that makes it easier for anyone to batch rename a lot of files with PowerRename.

PowerRename is an option that will appear in the context menu for advanced bulk renaming using simple search and replace or regular expression matching. While you type in the search and replace input fields, the feature will show you a preview of the items that you’ll rename. In addition, you can clear each specific item to include or exclude from the operation in the preview area. 

If you’re not familiar, back on the Windows 95 era, PowerToys was a useful tool designed to further customize the experience, and the tool is back to improve the Windows 10 experience.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to use the PowerToys PowerRename feature to batch rename files on Windows 10.

How to rename group of files on Windows 10

If you’re not conformable using command to batch rename files, you’ll need to install PowerToys to access the PowerRename feature. 

Installing PowerToys

To install the latest version of the PowerToys for Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open PowerToys GitHub page.

2. Click the PowerToysSetup.msi link to download the installer.

3. Double-click the installer to launch the setup.

4. Continue with on-screen directions (next, next, next).

   

Once you complete the steps, PowerToys will install on your device enabling the PowerRename feature.

Renaming group of files

To batch rename a bunch of files on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Browse to the folder with the files you want to rename.

3. Select the files to rename.

   Quick tip: Click the Select all button from the Home tab. Use the Ctrl + A keyboard shortcut. Or press and hold the Ctrl key and click the files you want to select.

4. Right-click the selection and select the PowerRename option.

   

5. The “Search for” field selects the part of the files you want to rename.

6. The “Replace with” field allows you to specify the new part of the file name that you want to rename.

   

7. (Optional) Under the “Options” section, you can enable or disable different settings.

   • Use Regular Expressions: If checked, the Search field will be interpreted as a regular expression. If not clear, the field will be used as a text to be replaced with the text in the Replace field.
   • Case Sensitive: The text specified in the Search field will only match text in the items if the text is the same case.
   • Match All Occurrences: All matches of the text in Search field will be replaced with the Replace text.
   • Exclude Files: Files will not be included in the operation.
   • Exclude Folders: Folders will not be included in the operation.
   • Exclude Subfolder Items: Items within folders will not be included in the operation.
   • Enumerate Items: Appends a numeric suffix to file names that were modified in the operation. For example: foo.jpg -> foo (1).jpg.
   • Item Name Only: Only the filename portion (not the file extension) is modified by the operation. Ex: txt.txt -> NewName.txt.
   • Item Extension Only: Only the file extension portion (not the file name) is modified by the operation. For example: txt.txt -> txt.NewExtension.

8. Click the Rename button.

Once you complete the steps, the files you selected will change to the name you specified.