PowerToys PowerRename Utility for Windows (2023)

  • Article
  • 7 minutes to read

PowerRename is a bulk rename tool that allows you to:

  • Modify the file names of a large number of files, without giving all the files the same name.
  • Perform a search and replace on a target section of file names.
  • Perform a regex name change on multiple files.
  • Check the expected results of the rename in a preview window before finalizing a bulk rename.
  • Undo a rename operation after it completes.

Demonstration

In this demo, all instances of the filename "foo" are replaced with "foobar". Since all the files have a unique name, it would take a lot of time to fill them manually one by one. PowerRename allows for a one-time bulk rename. Note that the "Undo Rename" browser command (Ctrl+Z) allows you to undo the last change.

PowerToys PowerRename Utility for Windows (1)

Ventana PowerRename

After selecting files in Windows File Explorer, right-click and selectPowerRenombrar(which will only appear if enabled on PowerToys), the PowerRename window will appear. The number of items you selected will be displayed, along with search and replace values, a list of options, and a preview window showing the search results and replacement values ​​entered.

PowerToys PowerRename Utility for Windows (2)

To look for

Enter text or aregular phraseto find the files in your selection that contain the criteria that match your input. You will see the corresponding items in thedisplayventana.

(Video) Batch Rename Files in Windows using PowerRename (PowerToys)

replace with

Enter the text to replace theTo look forpreviously entered value. You can see the original file name and the renamed file name in thedisplayventana.

use regular expressions

If checked, the lookup value will be interpreted as aregular phrase(regex). The Replace value can also contain regex variables (seeexamples below). If unchecked, the lookup value will be interpreted as plain text that will be replaced with the text in the Replace field.

For more information on theUse the Boost libraryoption in the settings menu for extended regex functionality, see theregular expressions section.

match all occurrences

If checked, all text matches in theSeekThe field will be replaced with the text Replace. Otherwise, only the first instance of theTo look forthe text in the filename will be replaced (from left to right).

For example, given the file name:powertoys-powerrename.txt:

  • To look for:Power
  • Rename with:super

The renamed file value would result in:

  • Match all unchecked occurrences:supertoys-powerrename.txt
  • Matches all marked occurrences:supertoys-superrename.txt

Upper case and lower case

If checked, the text specified in theSeekThe field will only match the text of the elements if the text is the same. Case-insensitive matching will be insensitive (will not recognize the difference between uppercase and lowercase letters) by default.

Apply to: file name only

The operation only modifies the file name (not the file extension). For example:txt.txt→NovoNombre.txt.

(Video) PowerToys PowerRename - Advance Bulk Rename Utility

Apply for: Extension only

The operation only modifies the file extension. For example:txt.txt→txt.NovaExtensión.

include files

Uncheck causes the files not to be included in the operation.

include pasta

Uncheck causes folders to not be included in the operation.

include subpaste

Uncheck causes files within folders to not be included in the operation. By default, all items in the subfolder are included.

text format

Select from four options to convert items to lowercase, uppercase, title (first character of name uppercase), or uppercase for each word.

list items

Adds a numeric suffix to the file names that were modified in the operation. For example:foo.jpg→foo (1).jpg

Replace using file creation timestamp

The creation date and time attributes of a file can be used in thereplace withtext by entering a variable pattern according to the following table. Selecting the tooltip in thereplace withThe field allows you to view and select from the supported standards.

variable patternExplanation
$AAAAYear, represented by four or five full digits, depending on the calendar used.
$AAYear, represented only by the last two digits. A leading zero is added for single-digit years.
$YYear, represented by the last digit only.
$MMMMName of the month
$ MMMAbbreviated name of the month.
millions of dollarsMonth, as digits with leading zeros for single-digit months.
$ millionMonth, as digits with no leading zeros for single-digit months.
$DDDDName of the day of the week.
$DDDAbbreviated name of the day of the week.
$DDDay of the month, as digits with leading zeros for single-digit days.
$DDay of the month, as digits with no leading zeros for single-digit days.
$hhHours, with leading zeros for single-digit hours.
$ hHours, with no leading zeros for single-digit hours.
$mmMinutes, with leading zeros for single-digit minutes.
$ millionMinutes, without leading zeros for single-digit minutes.
$ssSeconds, with leading zeros for single-digit seconds.
$sSeconds, without leading zeros for single-digit seconds.
$fffMilliseconds, represented by three full digits.
$ffMilliseconds, represented by the first two digits only.
$fMilliseconds, represented by the first digit only.

For example, given the file names:

(Video) How to Rename Multiple Files at Once Using the Windows Power Toys Power Rename Utility

  • powertoys.png, created on 02/11/2020(Second of November)
  • powertoys-menĂş.png, created on 03/11/2020(November 3)

Enter the criteria for renaming items:

  • To look for:power toys
  • Rename with:$MMM-$DD-$YY-juguetes

The renamed file value would result in:

  • Nov-02-20-powertoys.png
  • Nov-03-20-powertoys-menĂş.png

regular expressions

For most use cases, a simple search and replace is sufficient. However, there may be times when complicated renaming tasks require more control.regular expressionsit can help.

Regular expressions define a text search pattern. They can be used to search, edit, and manipulate text. The pattern defined by the regular expression can match once, multiple times, or not match a given string. PowerRename uses theECMAScriptgrammar, which is common among modern programming languages.

To enable regular expressions, check theUse regular expressionsselection box

Observation:You will probably want to checkmatch all occurrenceswhen regular expressions are used.

use theincrease libraryinstead of the standard library, see theUse the Boost libraryoption in PowerToys settings. Allows extended features such aslook back, which are not supported by the standard library.

Regular Expression Examples

Examples of simple correspondence

(Video) đźš— How to use Microsoft PowerToys

To look forDescription
^Matches the beginning of the file name (zero length)
psMatches the end of the file name (zero length)
.*Matches all text in the name
^ fooMatches text beginning with "foo"
barra $Matches text that ends with "bar"
^foo.*barra$Matches text that starts with "foo" and ends with "bar"
.+?(?=barra)Combine everything until "cut"
foo[\s\S]*barraMatches everything between and including "foo" and "bar"

Examples of correspondence and variables. Capture groups are defined in parentheses(). To refer to them, usepsfollowed by a number:$ 1will refer to the first group,$ 2to the second etc

When using variables, the "Match all occurrences" option must be enabled.

To look forreplace withDescription
(.*).pngfoo_$1.pngAdd "foo_" to existing file name for PNG files
(.*).png$1_foo.pngAdd "_foo" to existing file name for PNG files
(.*)$1.txtAdd the ".txt" extension to the existing file
(^\w+\.$)\|(^\w+$)$2.txtAppends the ".txt" extension to the existing file name only if it does not have an extension
(\d\d)-(\d\d)-(\d\d\d\d)o(\d{2})-(\d{2})-(\d{4})$ 3- $ 2- $ 1Move the numbers in the file name: "2020-03-29" becomes "2020-03-29"
^(.{n})(.*)o(.*)(.{n})$$1 for $2insert "fu"nortestart and end characters respectively
^.{n}o.{n}$not a thingdirectsnortestart and end characters respectively

Additional Resources for Learning Regular Expressions

There are great examples/cheat sheets available online to help you:

Regex Tutorial - A Quick Cheat Sheet With Examples

ECMAScript Regular Expressions Tutorial

File List Filters

Filters can be used in PowerRename to limit the rename results. Use thedisplaywindow to check the expected results. Click on the column headers to switch between filters.

  • Original, the first column ofdisplaywindow toggles between:

    • Checked: The file is selected to be renamed
    • Unchecked: the file is not selected to be renamed (even if it matches the value entered in the search criteria)
  • Renowned, the second column ofdisplayThe window can be changed:

    (Video) How to use PowerRename PowerToy for Windows 11/10

    • The default view will show all the selected files, with only the files that match theTo look forcriteria showing the updated rename value.
    • Selecting theRenownedThe header will change the view to show only the files to be renamed. Other files selected from your original selection will not be visible.

PowerToys PowerRename Utility for Windows (3)

settings

Additional options can be configured on the PowerRename tab in Settings as described below:

settingsDescription
Show PowerRename inDefines whether PowerRename appears as one of the default options or only in the extended context menu
Enable autocomplete for find and replace fieldsAutomatically suggest terms to use in search and replace fields based on previous uses of PowerRename
Maximum number of articlesThe most search and replace suggestions to display
Show recently used stringsWhen opening PowerRename, fill in the search fields and replace them with the last used values
Use the Boost libraryEnable extended RegEx functionality. To seeregular expressionsabove for more details

FAQs

How do I use PowerToys on Windows? ›

PowerToys Run

To open, use the shortcut Alt + Space and start typing. It is open source and modular for additional plugins. Window Walker is now included as well.

Is PowerToys on Windows 10? ›

Microsoft PowerToys is a set of freeware system utilities designed for power users developed by Microsoft for use on the Windows operating system. These programs add or change features to maximize productivity or add more customization. PowerToys are available for Windows 95, Windows XP, Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Where can I download PowerRename? ›

PowerRename download | SourceForge.net.

How to install PowerToys on Windows 10? ›

To install PowerToys using a Windows executable file:
  1. Visit the Microsoft PowerToys GitHub releases page.
  2. Select the Assets drop-down menu to display the files for the release.
  3. Select the PowerToysSetup-0.##.#-x64.exe or PowerToysSetup-0.##.#-arm64.exe file to download the PowerToys executable installer.
Nov 3, 2022

How do I get PowerToys on Windows 10? ›

To install the PowerToys app on Windows 11 (and 10), use these steps:
  1. Open PowerToys GitHub page.
  2. In the “Latest” section, under “Assets,” click the PowerToysSetup-x. xx. x-x64.exe file to download the installer.
  3. Double-click the file to launch the setup.
  4. Check the option to agree to the terms.
  5. Click the Install button.
Nov 11, 2022

Does PowerToys slow down computer? ›

Powertoys Run

This wastes a lot space, and it's also slow. PowerToys Run is much faster in its approach. Start it by pressing Alt + Space.

Is there a CPU meter for Windows 10? ›

Unfortunately, it isn't possible to directly monitor the CPU temperature in Windows 10. If you want to keep an eye on your system temperatures, you'll need to use third-party software.

Is there a virtual machine for Windows 10? ›

Open Hyper-V Quick Create from the start menu. Select an operating system or choose your own by using a local installation source. If you want to use your own image to create the virtual machine, select Local Installation Source.

How do I mass rename a file in Windows? ›

To rename multiple files from File Explorer, select all the files you wish to rename, then press the F2 key. The name of the last file will become highlighted. Type the new name you wish to give to every file, then press Enter.

Can I uninstall PowerToys? ›

Method 2: Uninstall PowerToys via Apps and Features/Programs and Features. Look for PowerToys in the list and click on it. The next step is to click on uninstall, so you can initiate the uninstallation.

Can you install PowerToys without admin? ›

PowerToys only needs elevated administrator permission when interacting with other applications that are running in administrator mode. If those applications are in focus, PowerToys may not function unless it is elevated as well.

Where can I download kb5007253? ›

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. In the Optional updates available area, you'll find the link to download and install the update.

Does PowerToys work on Windows 11? ›

Microsoft has released the latest version of PowerToys, its suite of tools for power users on Windows 10 and 11, bringing it to version 0.60.

Is Microsoft PowerToys free? ›

How to Get Microsoft PowerToys. You can download PowerToys from the Microsoft Store or get an installer directly from GitHub and enable the features you want from within the PowerToys Settings application. It's free and open-source.

How do I install the PowerShell app installer on Windows 10? ›

Install unsigned apps using PowerShell
  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for PowerShell, right-click the result, and select the Run as administrator option.
  3. Type the following command to install the unsigned app and press Enter: Add-AppxPackage -Path PATH-TO-APPXFILE\APP.appx.
Nov 24, 2022

How do I install Hyper V tools on Windows 10? ›

Right click on the Windows button and select 'Apps and Features'. Select Programs and Features on the right under related settings. Select Turn Windows Features on or off. Select Hyper-V and click OK.

Why are there no gadgets in Windows 10? ›

We recommend you move to a Windows 11 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft. Gadgets are no longer available on our website because the Windows Sidebar platform in Windows 7 has serious vulnerabilities. Microsoft has retired the feature in newer releases of Windows.

Where is the power option in Windows 10? ›

To change the power mode, select Start > Settings > System > Power & battery. For Power mode, choose the one you want.

Should I run PowerToys as administrator? ›

PowerToys only needs elevated administrator permission when interacting with other applications that are running in administrator mode. If those applications are in focus, PowerToys may not function unless it is elevated as well.

What slows down a PC the most? ›

Your storage drive and memory (RAM) are the two key pieces of hardware most related to the speed of your computer. With too little memory, you will only have limited resources to run multiple programs, while using a dated storage drive can slow down your computer even if it's recently been defragmented.

What makes a PC run quicker? ›

Much of your computer's performance depends on its RAM, or random access memory. This allows your computer to perform multiple operations simultaneously, holding information in a kind of temporary memory. The more RAM you have, the more processes you'll be able to perform simultaneously.

What will make your PC run faster? ›

How to make your computer faster: 12 ways to improve computer performance
  • Turn off auto-launching programs.
  • Close out unneeded tabs.
  • Update your operating system.
  • Delete unnecessary files.
  • Utilize the cloud.
  • Reinstall your operating system.
  • Clean the interior of your PC.
  • Install a solid-state drive.
Sep 19, 2022

How do I check my CPU stats on Windows? ›

Check the CPU usage.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on the keyboard to open the Task Manager. Click Performance at the top of the window, and then you can see the CPU usage on the left side of the window.

How do I check CPU core usage in Windows? ›

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Select the Performance tab to see how many cores and logical processors your PC has.

Is there a free Windows VM? ›

#1) VirtualBox

Virtual Box is a free VM app that supports high-performance virtualization. It is a free virtual machine app that app developers can use for testing apps on multiple operating systems. Features: Support Windows, Linux, Solaris, and Mac host OS.

Does Windows 10 have a free virtual machine? ›

VMware Workstation Player is a completely free-to-use version of its desktop VM software, Workstation Pro.

Is it possible to run virtual machines on Windows? ›

Setting up a Virtual Machine (VirtualBox)

It allows users to virtually install many operating systems on virtual drives, including Windows, BSD, Linux, Solaris, and more. Since VirtualBox runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac, the process for setting up a virtual machine is pretty much the same in each operating system.

What is the easiest way to rename a file in Windows? ›

Open File Explorer by going to My Computer, or by pressing Windows Key + E on your keyboard. Find the file you want to rename, select it and select Rename on the ribbon (or press F2 on your keyboard). Type the new name you want the file to have and press Enter.

What are the two 2 ways of renaming files? ›

The easiest way is by right-clicking on the file and selecting Rename. You can then type a new name for your file and press enter to finish renaming it. A quicker way to rename a file is by first selecting it by left clicking on it, then pressing the F2 key.

Is there a fast way to rename files? ›

You can press and hold the Ctrl key and then click each file to rename.
...
  1. Confirm a new name for the file.
  2. Press the Tab key to jump and trigger the rename action for the next file down the list.
  3. Confirm the new file name.
  4. Press the Tab key again to jump and trigger the next rename.
Nov 9, 2022

What is the alternative to bulk rename utility? ›

Best Bulk Rename Utility Alternatives for Windows
  • EaseUS Partition Master Free Edition. Free. Manage your hard drive partitions and improve their performance. ...
  • TeraCopy. Free. ...
  • ExamDiff. Free. ...
  • Total Commander. Free to try. ...
  • Wise JetSearch. Free. ...
  • i-FunBox. Free. ...
  • ReNamer. Free. ...
  • XYplorer. Free to try.

Is there a free software to rename multiple files at once? ›

Bulk Rename Utility allows you to easily rename files and entire folders based upon extremely flexible criteria. Add date/time stamps, replace numbers, insert text, convert case, add auto-numbers, process folders and sub-folders....plus a whole lot more!

How do I rename multiple files with sequential numbers in Windows 10? ›

If you just need to add sequential numbers to a group of files, that's already easy enough to do directly in Windows. Open File Explorer, select the files you want to rename, and then press F2. The last file in the list is selected. Type the name you wish to use and press Enter.

What is the use of Microsoft PowerToys? ›

PowerToys Run is a quick launcher for power users that contains some additional features without sacrificing performance. It is open source and modular for additional plugins. To use PowerToys Run, select Alt + Space and start typing! (Note that this shortcut can be changed in the settings window.)

What Microsoft stuff can I uninstall? ›

5 Unnecessary Windows Programs You Can Uninstall
  • Java. Java is a runtime environment that enables access to rich media content, like web app and games, on certain websites. ...
  • QuickTime. BleepingComputer. ...
  • Microsoft Silverlight. Silverlight is another media framework, similar to Java. ...
  • CCleaner. ...
  • Windows 10 Bloatware.
Jun 11, 2019

Is it OK to uninstall 3D Builder? ›

If you don't have an use for the 3D Builder app — like with other built-in apps — you can uninstall it from Windows 10. But there is a little problem: merely uninstalling the app will leave behind the "3D Print with 3D Builder" option in the context menu for . bmp, . jpg, and .

How can I run software without admin rights? ›

Check to see if the following helps.
  1. a. Log in as an administrator.
  2. b. Navigate to the program`s .exe file.
  3. c. Right click on it and select Properties.
  4. d. Click Security. Click Edit.
  5. e. Select the user and place a check mark on Full Control under “Allow” in “Permissions for”.
  6. f. Click Apply and OK.
Dec 11, 2010

How to run exe files without admin rights? ›

Enable RunAsInvoker Mode in the EXE File Manifest

Developers set this requirement when compiling the application in the program manifest . You can edit the manifest of any exe file and disable the requirement to run the program in elevated mode. To edit the program manifest, you can use the free Resource Hacker tool.

What is the KB5007253 update on Windows? ›

The KB5007253 cumulative update preview is part of Microsoft's September 2021 monthly "C" update, allowing admins to test fixes coming as part of the December 2021 Patch Tuesday. However, unlike Patch Tuesday updates, the "C" preview updates are optional and do not include any security updates.

How do I download kb5000736? ›

Install Windows 10 21H1 enablement package
  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Browse to the . msu (windows10. 0-kb5000736-x64 or windows10. 0-kb5000736-x86) file location.
  3. Double-click the standalone installer.
  4. Click the Yes button. KB5000736.
  5. Click the Restart now button.
May 20, 2021

What is the KB number for 21H2 update? ›

KB5003791: Update to Windows 10, version 21H2 by using an enablement package - Microsoft Support.

How do I install Microsoft PowerToys on Windows 11? ›

To install PowerToys using a Windows executable file:
  1. Visit the Microsoft PowerToys GitHub releases page.
  2. Select the Assets drop-down menu to display the files for the release.
  3. Select the PowerToysSetup-0.##.#-x64.exe or PowerToysSetup-0.##.#-arm64.exe file to download the PowerToys executable installer.
5 days ago

How do I enable PowerToys in Windows 11? ›

PowerToys Run can help you search and launch your app instantly. To open, use the shortcut Alt + Space and start typing. It is open source and modular for additional plugins. Window Walker is now included as well.

How to do split screen on Windows? ›

Pressing the "Ctrl" key with the "A" key and uppercase "S" key will split the screen horizontally into two regions.

How do I use Windows projecting on my computer? ›

  1. Select Start > Settings > System > Projecting to this PC .
  2. Under Add the “Wireless Display” optional feature to project to this PC, select Optional features.
  3. Select Add a feature, then enter “wireless display.”
  4. Select the check box next to Wireless Display from the list of results, then select Install.

How do I access Windows gadgets? ›

Add Widgets to Windows 10 With 8GadgetPack

Double-click the 8GadgetPack MSI file to install. Once complete, launch 8GadgetPack. Click the + button to open the list of gadgets.

How do I split my screen between two monitors in Windows 10? ›

Set up dual monitors on Windows
  1. Select Start , then open Settings .
  2. Under System , select Display . ...
  3. Use the dropdown list next to the image of your desktop to choose how your screen will project across your displays.
  4. Once you've chosen your setup, select Apply.

How do I view 3 windows side by side? ›

For three windows, just drag a window into the top left corner and release the mouse button. Click a remaining window to automatically align it underneath in a three window configuration. For four window arrangements, just drag each into a respective corner of the screen: top right, bottom right, bottom left, top left.

Can I split my monitor into two screens? ›

On the Windows desktop, right-click an empty area and select the Display settings option. Scroll down to the Multiple displays section. Below the Multiple displays option, click the drop-down menu and select Extend these displays.

How do I screen mirror my PC to my computer? ›

Use AirDroid Cast Desktop Client on Your Both Computers.
  1. Download AirDroid Cast. Download AirDroid Cast from the AirDroid Download Center on the your both computers. ...
  2. Cast PC's Screen to another PC. Launch the AirDroid Cast Desktop Client on the casting computer and select the "Cast to" button. ...
  3. Start Mirroring.
Nov 23, 2022

How do I project my PC to a monitor? ›

Press the Windows key + P, and then choose a way to project:
  1. PC screen only.
  2. Duplicate.
  3. Extend.
  4. Second screen only.

How do I project my computer screen to my monitor? ›

Windows – Change External Display Mode
  1. Right click on an empty area of the desktop.
  2. Choose Display Settings.
  3. Scroll Down to the Multiple displays area and select select Duplicate these displays or Extend these displays.

What happened to gadgets in Windows 10? ›

Gadgets aren't available anymore. Instead, Windows 10 now comes with lots of apps that do many of the same things and much more. You can get more apps from Microsoft Store for everything from games to calendars. Some apps are better versions of the gadgets you love, and many of them are free.

Why did Microsoft remove gadgets? ›

Microsoft has retired the feature in newer releases of Windows. Gadgets could be exploited to harm your computer, access your computer's files, show you objectionable content, or change their behavior at any time. An attacker could even use a gadget to take complete control of your PC.

How do I open gadget files in Windows 10? ›

Once installed, simply right click on the desktop to access the gadgets from the context menu. Or you can access them from the control panel, under the Appearance and Personalization section. You will see that now you have access to the classic desktop gadgets.

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