Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must reside in C:\Program Files\Renamer\Renamer.exe
Warning
Background worker processes expected
Renamer uses a worker process per batch; idle instances may be background
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the GUI to stop new renaming tasks; disable startup if configured
What is renamer.exe?
renamer.exe is the executable for the Renamer File Renaming Utility. It provides rule-based batch renaming, including prefixes, suffixes, numbering, case changes, and metadata-driven patterns. The GUI previews changes before applying them.
Renamer uses a rule engine to apply templates to file names, performs reads/writes with a staging area, and records an undo log for safe reversal. It supports per-batch preview and conflict handling.
Quick Fact: Renamer originates from fundamental batch-rename workflows and is designed to minimize name collisions with a staged apply.
Types of Renamer Processes
- Main GUI Process: The primary window and controls for renaming tasks (1 instance)
- Worker Process: Background renaming task that applies rules to files (one per batch)
- I/O Process: Handles file reads/writes and safe renames via temporary staging
- Rule Engine Process: Applies user-defined rename templates to target filenames
- Logging/Undo Process: Maintains rename history and supports undo of actions
Is renamer.exe Safe?
Yes, renamer.exe is safe when it comes from the legitimate Renamer Software source and is downloaded from the official site or trusted vendors.
Is renamer.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real renamer.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic names; verify the file location and signature.
How to Tell if renamer.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Renamer\Renamer.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Renamer\Renamer.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click renamer.exe in Explorer Properties Digital Signatures. Should show a publisher like "RenownSoft LLC" or "Crimson Software LLC".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0.5-4% CPU per operation and 20-120 MB memory during a batch. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Renamer should only run when you initiate a rename task or when configured to monitor folders. Continuous background execution without tasks is suspicious.
Red Flags: If renamer.exe is found in unusual folders (like AppData or Temp), runs when no rename task is active, has no valid digital signature, or consistently uses excessive CPU, scan with antivirus immediately. Be wary of similarly-named files like "rename.exe".
Why Is renamer.exe Running on My PC?
renamer.exe runs when you start a renaming task, when folder watching is enabled, or when the app is configured to monitor specific directories in the background.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Batch Renaming: A rename task is in progress, processing the selected files according to the defined rules
- Background Folder Watcher: Renamer monitors designated folders for new or renamed files and applies rules automatically
- Startup or Startup Folder: Renamer is configured to launch at Windows startup or when a user logs in
- Live Preview or Undo Logging: The app keeps a live preview and an undo log while you compose rename rules
- Background Sync: If integrated with a sync service (Dropbox/OneDrive), it may trigger rename actions on new files
Can I Disable or Remove renamer.exe?
Yes, you can disable renamer.exe. You can stop active tasks, prevent startup, or uninstall the software if you no longer need it.
How to Stop renamer.exe
- End Individual Tasks: In the Renamer GUI, click Stop or End Task for the current batch; if using a folder watcher, disable it
- Close the Application: Exit the Renamer GUI; ensure no background workers remain
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager Startup tab Disable Renamer
- Stop Folder Watching: Renamer Settings Folder Watcher Disable monitoring
- Uninstall: Windows Settings Apps Renamer Uninstall
How to Uninstall Renamer
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Renamer → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Renamer → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your PC after removal and verify no related services remain
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If renamer.exe consumes excessive resources during batch renames:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Very large batch size: Limit batch size or enable incremental renaming; use Preview to validate names first
- Name collisions: Enable collision handling in rules; use safe patterns and Undo logs
- Disk I/O bottlenecks: Check disk health; avoid renaming when disk is near capacity
- Resource-heavy rules: Simplify rules; remove per-file metadata lookups during batch
- Outdated software: Update Renamer to latest version from official site
- Background watchers: Disable folder watchers when not needed to reduce activity
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Renamer, review the current batch in Preview
2. Reduce batch size or disable folder watcher
3. Check for conflicting rules and reset to a known-good profile
4. Update Renamer to the latest version
5. Restart Renamer after changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is renamer.exe a virus?
No, renamer.exe from the official Renamer Software site is not a virus. Verify the path C:\Program Files\Renamer\Renamer.exe and that the digital signature matches the publisher.
Why is renamer.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can occur during large batch renames or when a lot of metadata rules run per file. Use Preview, monitor the task in the GUI, and reduce batch size.
Can I delete renamer.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall Renamer from Windows Settings or Control Panel. Your rename presets are stored in your user profile or within the application's config folder.
Can I disable renamer.exe at startup?
Yes. Disable startup in Task Manager → Startup, or disable folder watching in Renamer Settings to prevent background activity.
Where are rename rules stored?
Rename rules and presets are stored in the application data folder, typically under C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Roaming\Renamer or within the program's own config directory.
Does Renamer support undo if I rename incorrectly?
Yes. Renamer maintains an Undo log that lets you revert a batch of renamed files to their original names.