Showing File Extensions

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

Notes that Stick Around

Throughout your day it can be necessary to quickly write things down to quickly remember later. Unfortunately, a Post-It ...

Discover More

Completely Delete Files with Cipher

When you delete a file in Windows, the operating system only removes the file from view. The deleted content can still be ...

Discover More

Using Edge Chromium to Screen Capture a Web Page

Have you ever needed to take a screen capture of a web page? Edge Chromium allows for easy screen capture.

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

Checking the Archive Attribute with Robocopy

Robocopy can work on files according to each file's attributes. This tip shows you how to use Robocopy to only copy files ...

Discover More

Customizing File Explorer's Display

File Explorer is a powerful utility to use for navigating among your files and folders. And it can be customized a great ...

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 five more than 2?

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.