Method 1: Windows Explorer (Simple but Limited)
1
Using Windows Built-in Feature
Windows Explorer provides the most basic batch rename functionality. Here are the steps:
- Select multiple files in a folder (Ctrl+A to select all or Ctrl+Click for multiple)
- Press F2 or right-click and select 'Rename'
- Enter the new filename and press Enter
- Windows automatically adds numbers like Photo (1).jpg, Photo (2).jpg
Pros
- No software installation needed
- Quick and simple
Cons
- Only unified naming + numbers
- No find & replace
- No preview
Method 2: PowerShell (Powerful but Complex)
2
Using PowerShell Scripts
PowerShell provides powerful file operation commands, suitable for users with programming background.
Example: Batch Replace Text in Filenames
Get-ChildItem -Filter "*.jpg" | Rename-Item -NewName { $_.Name -replace "IMG_", "Photo_" }
This command replaces 'IMG_' with 'Photo_' in all .jpg filenames
Example: Batch Add Prefix
Get-ChildItem -Filter "*.mp4" | Rename-Item -NewName { "2026_" + $_.Name }
Example: Batch Add Numbers
$i = 1; Get-ChildItem -Filter "*.png" | ForEach-Object { Rename-Item $_ -NewName ("Image_{0:D3}.png" -f $i++); }
Pros
- Very powerful
- Supports regex
- Batch processing
Cons
- Requires programming knowledge
- Commands error-prone
- No visual interface
- Cannot undo
Method 3: Using FileZen (Recommended)
3
Using FileZen Professional Tool
RecommendedFileZen is a professional free batch rename tool that combines powerful features with simple operation, making it the best choice for most users.
Steps to Use
- Download and install FileZen (~5MB only)
- Drag files to rename into FileZen window
- Enter text to find in 'Find' box (e.g., IMG_)
- Enter replacement text in 'Replace' box (e.g., Photo_)
- Preview changes in real-time
- Click 'Apply' when ready
Pros
- GUI, easy to use
- Real-time preview
- Find & Replace support
- Smart extension handling
- Completely free
Cons
- Requires download
- Windows only
Comparison of Three Methods
| Feature | Windows Explorer | PowerShell | FileZen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | +++ | + | +++ |
| Power | + | +++ | ++ |
| Find & Replace | - | + | + |
| Preview | - | - | + |
| Best For | Simple unified naming | Advanced/Scripts | Most users |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will batch renaming damage my files?
A: No. Renaming only changes the filename, not the file content. But it's recommended to backup important files before operation.
Q: What file types does FileZen support?
A: FileZen supports all file types, including photos (JPG, PNG, RAW), videos (MP4, AVI), music (MP3, FLAC), and documents.
Q: Can I batch change file extensions?
A: Yes. In FileZen, you can choose whether to include extensions in the renaming operation.