Getting started
Install, navigate and begin safely with file previews and reusable presets.
Windows batch rename · Version 4.1.0.1
Bulk Rename Utility for Windows
Rename large groups of files and folders with text replacement, numbering, dates, regular expressions and a live preview. Clear Windows guides for every common renaming task.
What is Bulk Rename Utility? Bulk Rename Utility is a Windows desktop program for renaming files and folders in batches. It combines rule panels with a New Name preview so users can inspect changes before applying them. Version 4.1.0.1 is listed on the publisher's version page.
Find the right renaming workflow
These topic hubs separate distinct questions, helping readers find one focused answer rather than a collection of duplicate articles.
Replace text
Clean text, add prefixes, remove symbols and normalize filenames.
Numbering
Create ordered names with padding, sorting and controlled sequences.
Dates
Apply modified, created and photo date information to file names.
Media metadata
Organize photos, music, videos, PDFs and exports using available properties.
Folders
Rename folders and subfolders with filters while protecting directory structure.
Regex
Use regular expressions and JavaScript rules for structured naming problems.
Safety
Prevent collisions, permission errors and irreversible bulk rename mistakes.
Alternatives
Compare BRU with Windows Explorer, PowerRename, PowerShell and other tools.
Popular Windows renaming answers
Bulk Rename Utility vs Windows File Explorer rename
Explorer suits simple sequential names, while BRU exposes text replacement, filtering, metadata, regex and reusable configurations.
Convert filenames to lowercase
Choose a lowercase filename transformation for consistent file naming, then preview extension handling separately.
Keep original names and append a sequence
Retain descriptive stems and append a numeric suffix to make duplicates distinguishable.
Batch rename video files without changing formats
BRU changes video filenames and can use relevant properties, but renaming does not transcode the video.
Use wildcards to target filenames
A wildcard filter limits which filenames are eligible for renaming, even in a mixed folder.
Protect extensions while running regex rules
Use a filename-only match and leave the Extension panel unchanged so the file format label stays intact.
Make changes with a preview
BRU shows original and proposed names side by side. Select files, activate only necessary panels, and review the output before clicking Rename.
File extensions and full directory paths deserve special attention, especially for media, network folders and automation.
Read the safety checklist
Ready to rename files on Windows?
Start with a copy of a small set of files and inspect every proposed filename.