microsoft / microsoft/PowerToys

[PowerRename] Predictive "Auto-Match" Suggestion Based on History

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Idea-Enhancement Needs-Triage Product-PowerRename
Dominant language
C
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Forks
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PR merge metrics
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Description

### Description of the new feature / enhancement

Currently, PowerRename provides a history list of search/replace strings via the [Auto-complete setting](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/powerrename), but it requires the user to manually trigger or scroll through the list to find a match.
I am proposing a "Predictive Auto-Match" system. When PowerRename is launched with a group of files selected, the tool should:
1. Scan the current file list against the user's recent search/RegEx history.
2. Identify which historical pattern provides the highest number of matches for the current selection.
3. Automatically pre-populate the search field (or offer a prominent "Suggested" button) with that high-probability match.

### Scenario when this would be used?

This is a major time-saver for users who perform repetitive but non-identical renaming tasks. For example, if a user frequently renames files with patterns like [Date]_[Name], PowerRename would recognize the pattern in a new batch of files and suggest the corresponding RegEx from history immediately, rather than making the user re-type or search for it.

### Supporting information

Supporting Information
• UI Suggestion: If multiple historical patterns match, a small dropdown or "ghost text" could appear in the input box showing the number of matches found for each historical string (e.g., ^IMG_\d+ (Matches 12/12 files)).

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

Research direction

The issue names PowerRename's Auto-complete history, search/RegEx field, and selected-file list, but no repository files or tests. Start by locating those entry points; done means a historical pattern is suggested or prefilled based on the current selection, with multiple matches represented in the UI.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Domain
desktop
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
35/100

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