Renaming a few files is easy. But what happens when you need to rename thousands of audio samples, photos, or work documents in one go—each with specific naming rules, embedded metadata, or folder references? Most tools simply can't handle that level of detail. That’s where Bulk Rename Utility (BRU) comes in.
We chose to review BRU because it's one of the most underrated yet powerful tools for Windows users dealing with large-scale file management and a productivity tool. While it’s not flashy, it delivers enterprise-level batch renaming control—for free. This review explores everything BRU offers: what makes it shine, what slows it down, and whether it’s right for you.
Basic Overview
Bulk Rename Utility was developed by Jim Willsher, with its first public release in the early 2000s. Over the years, it has grown into a go-to solution for photographers, music producers, IT professionals, and data managers. Despite its dated interface, it’s trusted by government agencies, universities, and digital creators because it’s fast, stable, highly configurable, and absolutely free for personal use.
What Bulk Rename Utility Promises
On its official site, BRU promises to:
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Rename files and folders in bulk with over 13 configurable criteria.
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Offer real-time previews and undo functionality to ensure safety.
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Provide support for regular expressions, EXIF, and ID3 metadata.
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Run with minimal system requirements and no bloatware.
It’s clear this isn’t a consumer-level toy—it’s built for users who need precision and speed at scale.
Testing Bulk Rename Utility
We tested Bulk Rename Utility on various use cases:
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Renaming 700+ sample audio files by inserting project names and numbers.
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Cleaning filenames of 300 image files while preserving their EXIF date.
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Auto-numbering text documents in subfolders.
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Regex-based cleanup of legacy file archives.
In every test, the tool performed flawlessly. Files were renamed instantly—even on a low-spec machine. The Preview feature helped us catch small errors before committing, and we loved the Undo batch file that ensured complete safety.
Ease of Use
BRU’s interface is dense—there’s no sugarcoating it. At first glance, it can feel overwhelming with 20+ panels and options staring at you. But each section is labeled logically. Once you understand the layout, it becomes extremely efficient. Plus, tooltips and online documentation are helpful.
For beginners, there is a short learning curve, but the UI prioritizes functionality over appearance. If you're willing to explore a bit, you'll gain complete control over every part of a filename.
Features That Stood Out
Multi-Criteria Renaming
We were able to combine multiple renaming rules in one go: remove text, add numbering, insert parent folder names, and format casing. Instead of running three tools, BRU did everything in one pass. Perfect for renaming downloaded samples and project bounces.
Regex (Regular Expression) Support
For power users, regex is a game-changer. We used it to clean up inconsistent naming from old drives. Whether it's removing tags like (final), _copy, or switching track01 to 01_track, regex rules saved us hours.
Live Rename Preview
The live preview was essential when renaming hundreds of files. You instantly see what’s about to change, line by line. It helped us fix typos and mistakes before running the command—huge peace of mind.
Undo Function (Batch File)
After a massive rename job, we wanted to reverse changes just to check if we missed anything. The tool auto-generated an undo batch file—one click and everything was back to its original state. No stress, no errors.
Saved Presets (BRU Files)
We saved presets for common tasks like renaming monthly invoices, song exports, and backups. Once set, we could reload our exact rules in seconds. Ideal for workflows that repeat every week or month.
Windows Explorer Integration
Right-click any folder and choose “Bulk Rename Here”—no need to launch the app manually. This little context menu shortcut saved us serious time when working on local drives or cloud folders.
EXIF & MP3 Tag Support
We used BRU to rename DSLR images using date/time from EXIF data and rename MP3 files based on ID3 tags. It understood the metadata perfectly and even allowed custom naming formats (like date + event name).
Lightweight and Portable
The portable version runs without installation—ideal for USB drives or shared team machines. We tested it on an old Windows 7 laptop with 2GB RAM, and it worked flawlessly. Super snappy and efficient.
Features That Need Improvement
Steep Learning Curve
The number of options can overwhelm new users. When we first opened the app, it wasn’t clear where to start or how the panels worked together. A quick-start guide or wizard would help beginners get productive faster.
Outdated Interface Design
The tool works great—but it looks like it's from 2005. Cluttered fonts, inconsistent spacing, and cramped UI make it harder to navigate. A modern UI update could dramatically improve first impressions.
No macOS or Linux Version
We wanted to use BRU on our Mac studio machine—but it’s Windows-only. Users with cross-platform workflows are forced to find or buy alternatives like NameChanger or Advanced Renamer on macOS.
No File Preview/Thumbnail
Renaming image or video files is tricky without seeing the actual file. BRU only shows file names—there’s no thumbnail view or media preview. This makes visual file sorting impossible without switching to File Explorer.
No Real-Time File Monitoring
Some modern utilities let you auto-rename new files dropped into a folder. BRU doesn’t offer automation or real-time folder watching. We had to run the tool manually every time, which slowed down batch workflows.
Overall Quality
BRU runs like a dream on all Windows versions—from XP to Windows 11. It’s incredibly lightweight, uses minimal memory, and never crashes, even when renaming thousands of files at once. The highlighted rename differences and preview panel are particularly reassuring for large-scale tasks.
There are no ads, no upsells, no spyware—just pure functionality.
What Its Users Say
We explored Reddit, forums, and community spaces—and users consistently praise Bulk Rename Utility for its power, reliability, and flexibility.
On r/edmproduction, one user shared,
“I use it every day to rename sample packs. Super clean and fast.” View thread →
In r/DataHoarder, another added,
“Very powerful tool once you fully learn how it works.” Multiple users called it essential for mass renaming and archiving tasks. Read more →
On BRU’s official forums, a photographer shared how they taught someone to rename Canon RAW files using EXIF data:
“She learned to use it quickly—it saved hours of manual work.” See post →
Another forum user said,
“Phenomenal tool for managing large image collections.” View comment →
From sample creators to sysadmins and photo editors, the message is consistent: Bulk Rename Utility delivers serious results for serious workflows.
Bottom Line
Bulk Rename Utility is the gold standard for batch file renaming on Windows. If you manage folders full of files—samples, pictures, logs, or anything repetitive—this tool will save you hours every month. It’s ideal for creatives, office admins, developers, and IT pros.
Our Final Thought
At Fileion, we confidently recommend Bulk Rename Utility for anyone tired of wasting time on repetitive renaming tasks. Yes, it has a learning curve and looks a bit old—but under the hood, it’s one of the most powerful and trustworthy tools you can download. It respects your time, your data, and your workflow. And best of all, it’s free.
