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

Setting Signatures within Mail

A staple for many people's emails is the inclusion of a signature. Signatures, if enabled, are added automatically to any ...

Discover More

Using the Windows 10 Touch Keyboard

If you don't have access to a physical keyboard and still need to enter information you can use the Touch Keyboard found ...

Discover More

Currency Conversions

The need for currency conversions is an increasing need in a more connected world. The calculator found within Windows 10 ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Understanding File Types and Extensions

File types (or extensions) are key to using Windows effectively. When you double-click a file in Windows Explorer or File ...

Discover More

Repairing Your System Using a System Repair Disk

If your system gets into a state where it cannot be started normally, this tip presents you with options of how you can ...

Discover More

Breaking a Network Drive Mapping Association

Windows makes it easy to break the association between a network drive and its assigned letter. This tip explains how.

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 2 + 5?

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 © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.