Batch File Rename in Windows 11: All Methods Explained

Windows 11 offers several ways to batch rename files. This guide covers every method from simple to advanced.

Method 1: File Explorer Batch Rename

Windows 11's built-in batch rename:

1. Open File Explorer
2. Select files (Ctrl+A for all, Ctrl+Click for specific)
3. Right-click → Rename (or press F2)
4. Type the new base name
5. Press Enter

Result: Files become name (1).jpg, name (2).jpg, etc.

Limitations: - Only adds sequential numbers - No smart naming - Can't customize format

Method 2: PowerShell Batch Rename

For more control, use PowerShell:

Open PowerShell 1. Right-click Start 2. Select "Terminal (Admin)"

Basic Batch Rename

powershell
Get-ChildItem *.jpg | Rename-Item -NewName { "photo-" + $_.Name }

Replace Text in Filenames

powershell
Get-ChildItem | Rename-Item -NewName { $_.Name -replace 'old', 'new' }

Add Date Prefix

powershell
Get-ChildItem *.pdf | Rename-Item -NewName { (Get-Date -Format "yyyy-MM-dd") + "-" + $_.Name }

Sequential Numbering

powershell
$i = 1; Get-ChildItem *.jpg | ForEach-Object { Rename-Item $_ ("photo-{0:D4}.jpg" -f $i++) }

Method 3: Third-Party Tools

File Renamer AI (Recommended)

The easiest way to batch rename with intelligent names:

1. Go to File Renamer AI
2. Upload your files
3. AI generates descriptive names
4. Download renamed files

Before: IMG_5847.jpg, IMG_5848.jpg, IMG_5849.jpg After: sunset-beach.jpg, family-picnic.jpg, dog-playing.jpg

Bulk Rename Utility

Free Windows tool with extensive options: - Regular expressions - Numbering options - Text manipulation

Comparison: Windows 11 Batch Rename Methods

| Method | Ease | Power | AI | |--------|------|-------|-----| | File Explorer | Easy | Low | No | | PowerShell | Hard | High | No | | File Renamer AI | Easy | High | Yes | | Bulk Rename Utility | Medium | Very High | No |

Best Practices for Windows 11 Batch Renaming

1. Test on copies first - Don't risk originals
2. Preview changes - Check before applying
3. Use lowercase - Avoid case sensitivity issues
4. Use hyphens - Not spaces or underscores
5. Be descriptive - Future you will thank you

When to Use Each Method

Use File Explorer when: - You just need sequential numbers - You're renaming a few files - Speed matters more than naming

Use PowerShell when: - You need specific patterns - You're comfortable with commands - You need automation

Use File Renamer AI when: - You want descriptive names - You have photos or documents - You don't want to learn commands

Try File Renamer AI - The smartest way to batch rename in Windows 11.