How to show file extensions on Windows 10
You can show extensions for known files when browsing with File Explorer, and here’s how to do it on Windows 10.
On Windows 10, a file extension are the three (or more) letters that come after the period at the end of the name, which indicates the format type of the file.
Although the operating system doesn’t depend on the extension embedded on the name after the file is saved, it’s a useful visual guide for users to quickly understand the format that a file is using, and it allows users to change the file extension as necessary.
In this guide, you’ll learn the easy steps to show extensions for files while using File Explorer on Windows 10.
How to show file extensions using File Explorer
Show file extensions on Windows 10:
Open File Explorer.
Click the View tab.
Check the File name extensions option.
Show file extensions on File Explorer
Alternatively, you can also use these steps to show file extensions:
Open File Explorer.
Click the View tab.
Click the Options button.
File Explorer folder options button
Click the View tab.
Clear the Hide extensions for known file types option.
Show extensions for known files on File Explorer
Click the Apply button.
Click the OK button.
Once you’ve completed the steps, File Explorer will show extensions (for example, .txt, .exe, and .docx) for known files types.
This guide focuses on Windows 10, but the ability to hide and show file extensions has been around for long time, which means that you can use the same steps to show extensions on Windows 8.1, Windows 7, and older versions.
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Show and hide file extensions in Windows 10
Show and hide file extensions in Windows 10
Learn how to show and hide file extensions in Windows 10
Even in the latest version of Windows operating system — Windows 10, the file extensions of known file types that are associated with some software installed in your computer, are still hidden by default.
This is due to Microsoft’s policy which makes it somewhat easier for common users, but at the same time may also be potentially dangerous due security reasons.
Microsoft prefers simplicity over security, which unfortunately means that dangerous and harmful files can be hidden under wrong file type and users does not have fully under control what they opens.
More advanced users of Windows 10 who want to keep their files and data under control can turn off «Hide extensions for known file types» File Explorer feature.
Show hidden file extensions in Microsoft Windows 10
Open File Explorer (This PC) → Click on View option in upper menu to view Ribbon menu → Check the box next the File name extensions option.
If you also want to view hidden files and folders → Check the box next the Hidden items option.
Hide and show file extensions in Windows 10
Another way how to view file extensions in Microsoft Windows 10, but little more complex is:
Open Desktop Control Panel, for example by click by right mouse button on Start button in the left down corner → Select Control Panel option.
Control Panel option in Windows 10
Click on Appearance and Personalization option.
Control Panel in Microsoft Windows 10
Click on Show hidden files and folders option in File Explorer Options group.
Show Hidden files and folders option in Windows 10 Control Panel
Select Show hidden files, folders and drives options and uncheck Hide extensions for known file types box → Apply and OK
File Explorer Options in Windows 10
After the changes are saved, you will be able to see the all file extensions in your Microsoft Windows 10 operating system.
