How to Get Windows Explorer to Show File Extensions
In the digital age, file extensions play a crucial role in identifying the type of files stored on your computer. They help Windows Explorer categorize and manage files efficiently. However, by default, Windows may hide these extensions to prevent users from accidentally modifying or deleting critical system files. If you want to see file extensions in Windows Explorer, follow these simple steps to reveal them.
Step 1: Open Windows Explorer
First, open Windows Explorer by clicking on the folder icon on your taskbar, or pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
Step 2: Access Folder Options
Next, click on the “View” tab at the top of the window. In the “Show/hide” section, click on “Options.”
Step 3: Go to the View Tab
In the Folder Options window that appears, click on the “View” tab. This tab contains various settings that control how files and folders are displayed in Windows Explorer.
Step 4: Uncheck “Hide Extensions for Known File Types”
In the “Advanced settings” section, locate the option “Hide extensions for known file types.” By default, this option is checked. To reveal file extensions, uncheck this box.
Step 5: Apply and OK
Click “Apply” to save your changes and then click “OK” to close the Folder Options window.
Step 6: Refresh Windows Explorer
After applying the changes, you may need to refresh Windows Explorer to see the file extensions. To do this, close and reopen Windows Explorer, or press F5 to refresh the current window.
Now, you should be able to see the file extensions of your files in Windows Explorer. This feature can be particularly helpful when managing and organizing your files, as it allows you to quickly identify the file type without having to open each file. Remember that some file extensions may still be hidden due to security reasons, so Windows will not reveal these extensions.
