How to Batch Rename Multiple Files on Windows and Mac Without Extra Apps

Renaming dozens or hundreds of camera files (such as IMG_8941.JPG, IMG_8942.JPG) or disorganized client receipts one by one is exhausting. Both Windows and macOS include powerful native batch renaming engines capable of replacing text, inserting timestamps, and applying sequential numbering in bulk.

Here is the comprehensive guide to batch renaming files quickly and reliably.

Method 1: Microsoft PowerRename (PowerToys for Windows 10/11)

For advanced search-and-replace, uppercase/lowercase formatting, and regular expressions, Microsoft's official PowerToys suite provides the gold standard:

1. Install Microsoft PowerToys from the Microsoft Store or GitHub.
2. In File Explorer, select all the files you wish to modify.
3. Right-click the selection and choose PowerRename (or press Shift + Right-Click on Windows 11).
4. In the Search for box, type the string you want to remove or change (e.g. DSC_).
5. In the Replace with box, type your new prefix (e.g. Vacation_Trip_2026_).
6. Preview the changes in real time in the right-hand preview column.
7. Click Apply to execute the rename instantly across hundreds of items.

Method 2: Quick Sequential Numbering in Windows File Explorer (No Downloads)

If you simply need clean sequential numbering without installing extra utilities:

1. Open File Explorer and highlight all target files (Ctrl + A).
2. Press F2 (or right-click the first file and select Rename).
3. Type the base name, such as Project_Invoice, and press Enter.
4. Windows will instantly rename every highlighted file with sequential brackets:

• Project_Invoice (1).pdf
• Project_Invoice (2).pdf
• Project_Invoice (3).pdf

Method 3: Native Batch Renaming in macOS Finder

macOS includes a sophisticated multi-mode batch renaming tool built directly into Finder:

1. In Finder, select all the files you want to rename.
2. Right-click (or Control-click) and select Rename....
3. Choose your desired mode from the top dropdown:

• Replace Text: Find photo_ and replace with Miami_.
• Add Text: Append or prepend text (e.g. adding date stamps before or after the name).
• Format: Choose Name and Index or Name and Counter to generate standardized sequences like 2026-Report-001.pdf.

1. Click Rename to apply.