Showing File Extensions

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated June 7, 2021)

The more you use your computer, the more you will increase the number of files on your computer. As this continues it can become helpful to see file extensions associated with the files on your system. File extensions are found at the end of a file. File extensions are preceded by a period and are typically two to four characters long. File extensions are often used to identify what type of file it is and what program will open the file. An example is a ".docx" file, which is a Microsoft Word file.

When you open a file, Windows looks at the extension and uses whatever program is associated with that extension to open it. Seeing the file extension can also help you to quickly identify the program needed for the file.

Regardless of how helpful seeing file extensions can be, Windows hides those extensions by default. (Of course it does.) To have Windows show file extensions, follow these quick steps:

  1. Press the Windows key and type, (without quotes) "File Explorer Options", then press Enter. Windows opens the File Explorer Options window.
  2. In the File Explorer Options window, click the View tab. As the name indicates, this shows the viewing options for File Explorer.
  3. Uncheck the box that says "Hide Extensions for Known File Types." Click Apply, and then OK. When done you can close the File Explorer Options window. Changes will take effect immediately.

This quick change to enable file extensions allows you to know the document type along with giving an idea about what program is needed to open the file.

 This tip (13869) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

Turning on Night Light

When you work on your computer late at night the glow from your computer monitor can affect your sleep. Why not setup ...

Discover More

Win+E Shortcut Result

Configuring your computer is the best way to get your computer to behave the way you want. Here's how you can change what ...

Discover More

Enabling a Warning before Closing Multiple Edge Tabs

Tabbed browsing can be a great feature. If you use Edge with multiple tabs open, then enabling an alert anytime you close ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Making a File Read-Only

If you have an important file that you want to be sure doesn't get accidentally edited, you can set it to read-only. This ...

Discover More

Recovering a Deleted File

We sometimes delete files by accident, or we delete files that we later realize we shouldn't have. Fortunately, these ...

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
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 3 + 1?

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

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.