Windows Guide 2026-01-26

Windows 11/10 Batch Rename Files - Complete Guide

This guide covers all methods to batch rename files on Windows 11 and Windows 10, from built-in features to professional third-party tools.

Windows 11 New Features & Limitations

Windows 11
Windows 10

Windows 11 File Explorer Rename

Windows 11 redesigned File Explorer, but batch rename functionality remains largely the same:

Steps

  1. Select multiple files: Use Ctrl + A for all or Ctrl + Click for multiple
  2. Press F2 or right-click and select 'Rename'
  3. Enter new name, press Enter

Result: All files named 'NewName (1)', 'NewName (2)'...

Windows 11 Limitations

  • Only unified naming + numbers, cannot customize number format
  • No find & replace feature
  • Cannot preview changes
  • Cannot undo properly (Ctrl+Z only undoes one file)

Windows 10 Traditional Methods

Windows 10's batch rename functionality is essentially the same as Windows 11, with the same limitations.

Using PowerShell (Advanced Users)

For users with programming background, PowerShell provides more complex renaming capabilities:

# 批量替换文件名中的文本
Get-ChildItem *.jpg | Rename-Item -NewName { $_.Name -replace "old", "new" }

However, PowerShell has a steep learning curve, is error-prone, and lacks preview functionality.

Why Third-Party Tools Are Better

Windows built-in rename feature is very basic and insufficient for most real-world needs. Third-party batch rename tools offer more practical features:

Find & Replace

Replace specific text in filenames precisely, not whole renaming

Real-time Preview

See old/new filename comparison before applying

Advanced Options

Case sensitivity, smart extension handling, batch numbering

Easy to Use

GUI interface, no need to remember commands or syntax

FileZen Installation & Usage

FileZen is a free batch rename tool designed for Windows users, fully compatible with Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Installation Steps

  1. Click the download button to get the installer (.msi format, ~5MB)
  2. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard
  3. After installation, launch FileZen from Start menu or desktop

Basic Usage

  1. Drag files or folders into the FileZen window
  2. Enter text to replace in the 'Find' box
  3. Enter new text in the 'Replace' box
  4. Check preview, click 'Apply' when ready

System Compatibility

FileZen System Requirements

Operating System Windows 11 / Windows 10
Architecture 64-bit (x64)
Disk Space ~50MB
Dependencies None (standalone)
Technology Tauri 2.0 + Rust

Note: FileZen currently only supports 64-bit Windows systems. If you're using a 32-bit system, this tool is not available yet.

Method Comparison Summary

Method Ease Features Recommended
Windows Explorer +++ + Simple cases
PowerShell + +++ Advanced users
FileZen +++ ++ Most users
Download FileZen Free

Windows 11 / Windows 10 (64-bit) | ~5MB | 100% Free