How to Show File Extensions on Windows 10
Many different types of files reside on your computer. So, by knowing how to show file extensions on Windows 10, you can easily identify the different types of files in Windows Explorer.
By renaming the extension, you are actually changing the file type. If you change it to the wrong type, you won’t be able to use your file correctly.
How to show all file extensions
1. Open Windows File Explorer
Press and hold the Windows key on your keyboard and tap ‘E’ to open Windows File Explorer. Refer to our other article on how to open Windows Explorer step by step if you get stuck with this.
2. Select the View tab
By clicking on the view tab along the top of the file explorer, it will reveal a set of different settings.
3. Check the File name extensions checkbox
Check the File name extensions checkbox to show the extensions by left-clicking your mouse on the checkbox.
Alternative method – Using Folder Options
1. Open the Start Menu
Open the Start Menu by left-clicking on the Start Menu icon. Refer to our article on how to open the Start Menu step by step if you have difficulties.
2. Search from the Start Menu
Type file explorer options.
3. Open folder settings
Left-click on the File Explorer Options result to open folder settings.
4. Select the View tab
Left-click on the view tab which will give you access to advanced settings of selectable folder and search options. You can even choose to display hidden files if you need to while you are changing settings in this area.
5. Deselect and save to show file extensions
Uncheck the option Hide extensions for known file types by left-clicking the checkbox if necessary.
Left-click on the OK button to save the setting.
Conclusion
Now you will be able to see all of your files’ extensions. This comes in handy when you are trying to deal with files associated with certain programs.
We have created another article about how to change file types by editing the extensions to view more specific steps to change the file type.
Without being able to see the extensions, you won’t be able to tell at first glance what type of file you are dealing with.
I can see why Microsoft may have chosen the approach of turning it off by default. It would prevent people from accidentally removing or incorrectly changing the extension when renaming files.
So, after changing the setting, be very careful about renaming them. There is a secondary precaution Windows has to avoid a catastrophe. A prompt is usually displayed to warn you of the change.
It will only be changed once you confirm it. Otherwise, it will revert back to the original if you choose.
If all that fails, another way would be to press and hold Ctrl and tap ‘Z’ (then release Ctrl) to undo the last change to the renaming of the file or extension.
Another option would be to search for folder options in the Control Panel to gain access to the options another way.
With anything, having more power to change something, requires more responsibility for the consequence.
