Turning On the Display of File Extensions

by Barry Dysert
(last updated May 14, 2018)

Some systems are configured such that file extensions are not displayed. So instead of seeing a file whose name is "Data.txt" you only see "Data". This could get confusing if you have different types of files with the same name, like "Data.txt", "Data.jpg", "Data.xml", etc., as they would all show up simply as "Data". To eliminate such confusion, many users turn on the display of file extensions so that they can see the full name of every file.

To turn on the display of file extensions you need to display the Folder Options dialog box. To do this if you are using Windows 7, open Windows Explorer and on its toolbar click on Tools | Folder Options. If you are using Windows 8 or 10, open the File Explorer and click Options at the right side of the ribbon. Regardless of the version you are using, make sure the View tab is displayed in the dialog box. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. The View tab of the Folder Options dialog box.

The Hide Extensions for Known File Types checkbox determines whether the system should hide extensions for known file types. If you put a checkmark in this box, Windows hides the file extensions; this is the default setting for Windows. If the box is clear, then you'll see the full file name. Mark or clear this box to indicate your preference, then click the Apply to Folders button to apply this setting to all folders. When you are done you can click the OK button.

 This tip (12372) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Creating a New Desktop

One of the big new features of Windows 10 is the ability to create new virtual desktops. This tip tells you about them.

Discover More

Uninstalling a Program

There are often times when you decide you no longer need a program on your system. This tip tells you how you can ...

Discover More

Specifying a Copy Schedule in Robocopy

There are a few ways to set up a copy schedule in Robocopy by using its options. This tip explains how.

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Undoing a System Restore

Having the ability to restore your system back to when it was working properly is great, but what if, for some reason, ...

Discover More

Understanding and Using File Attributes

Every file has several attributes associated with it. These attributes can be turned on or off in a couple of ways and ...

Discover More

Removing a File Type Program Association

Removing a file type program association is a task for third-party utilities. You can, however, change the association ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 9 - 6?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2022 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.