How to bulk rename your files on Windows 10 with PowerToys

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While Windows 10 already has some ways torename files in bulk, many of them are clunky or complicated. You shouldn’t have to use the Command Prompt or PowerShell to rename files en masse. In comes PowerToys, an app that’s currently in beta from Microsoft. It has a collection of handy little tools, including a PowerRename tool that makes it easy to rename multiple files at once.

Products used in this guide

Products used in this guide

Getting PowerToys

Getting PowerToys

PowerToys is currently in beta and distributed in GitHub. To get PowerToys, you just need to go to the app’s releases page and download the latest version.

PowerToys is now running on your PC. If you opted to have it launch at startup, it would run in the background on your PC, and you don’t have to think about it.

How to rename files

Once PowerToys is running on your PC, you can use it within the File Explorer.

You can repeat this process several times until items are named as you like. You can also choose to perform actions such as enumerating items. For example, I use the tool to rename batches of files from press releases. I replace spaces with dashes, enumerate the items, remove parenthesis, and then have files in a format that I can use on our website.

Tools that make life just a bit easier

PowerToys has a growing set of useful tools, including a batch rename tool that makes it easy to rename your files in bulk.

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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.