01
Select, then right-click
Select the files, right-click one of them and choose **PowerRename**. The window lists every file with its old and new name side by side.
Right-click a selection, choose **PowerRename**, type a **search** and a **replace** pattern and read the preview column. **Apply** only after the preview looks right.
Requirements
- PowerToys installed
- The files in one folder
- A backup of anything irreplaceable
Instructions
02
Search and replace
The **Search for** field takes plain text or a regular expression. Enable **Use Regular Expressions** for patterns like leading numbers or repeated underscores.
Search: ^\d+_\*
Replace: (empty)tipHover the preview column header to see which files would change and which would not.
03
Use the numbering option
**Enumerate files** adds a counter with a start value and padding. That is the fastest way to turn a folder of camera dumps into a numbered set.
Enumerate: 1, padding 3
04
Fix case and spaces in one pass
The **Apply to** checkboxes limit the change to the name, the extension or both. Renaming extensions by accident is the classic first mistake.
⚠ warningKeep **Apply to: Name only** ticked unless you really mean the extension.
05
Check the collision warning
If two files would end up with the same name, PowerRename marks them. Fix the pattern - it will not silently overwrite.
06
Make one pass undoable
PowerRename registers one undo step per session. If you need to chain several patterns, check the result after each pass instead of stacking them.
Ctrl + Z in ExplorerCommon issues
The context menu entry is missing
PowerRename is disabled in PowerToys settings, or the shell extension was not registered. Toggle it off and on, then restart Explorer.
Nothing matches
Regular expressions are on and the pattern expects them. Turn the option off for plain text searches.
The rename fails halfway
A file is open or the path is too long. Close the app and shorten the target name.
Files ended up with the wrong extension
**Apply to** included the extension. Undo with Ctrl + Z and repeat with name-only.
Frequently asked
Does it work on network shares?
Yes, as long as your account may rename the files there. Slower, same rules.
Can it rename folders?
Yes, with the same patterns. Select folders instead of files.
How to undo this
Press **Ctrl + Z** in Explorer immediately after a pass. After a restart the undo history is gone - your backup is the fallback.
Changelog · 1 entry
- 2026-10-30First version
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