How to Display File Extensions in Windows Explorer: A Simple Guide

When managing files on your computer, it’s often helpful to see the file extensions (e.g., .jpg, .docx, .pdf) to quickly identify file types. However, Windows hides file extensions by default, which can lead to confusion. In this post, we’ll show you how to display file extensions in Windows Explorer in a few easy steps! 😊

How to Enable File Extensions via Settings

Follow these steps to configure Windows to always display file extensions for all files:

1. Open File Explorer
   Click the folder icon on the taskbar or press Windows Key + E to open File Explorer.
2. Click the “View” Tab
   At the top of the File Explorer window, click on the “View” tab.
3. Access the Options Menu
   On the far right of the ribbon, click “Options” to open the Folder Options window.
4. Navigate to the “View” Tab
   In the Folder Options window, select the “View” tab.
5. Uncheck the “Hide Extensions” Option
   Scroll through the Advanced settings section and locate the “Hide extensions for known file types” option. Uncheck this box.
6. Apply Changes
   Click “Apply”, then “OK” to save the changes.

Now, file extensions will be displayed alongside file names!

A Simpler Method: Use the “View” Menu in Explorer

If you prefer a quicker approach, you can use the “View” menu in File Explorer to toggle file extensions on and off:

1. Open File Explorer and Select the “View” Tab
   Launch File Explorer and click on the “View” tab at the top.
2. Use the “Show/Hide” Group
   On the right side of the ribbon, locate the “Show/Hide” group and check the “File name extensions” option.

This method updates the setting instantly, making it a convenient and time-saving option. 🙌

Why Displaying File Extensions is Useful

• Easier File Identification
  Files with the same name but different extensions serve different purposes.
  For instance, report.docx is a Word document, while report.pdf is a PDF file requiring a different program to open.
• Improved Security
  Displaying file extensions helps you recognize potentially harmful files.
  For example, a malicious virus.exe file may disguise itself as virus.jpg, but with extensions visible, the true nature is revealed.
• Better Organization
  Knowing file extensions at a glance makes sorting and managing files more efficient.