File Extensions make it easy to identify the file type at a glance. Here is how to turn on and show file extension in Windows 11.
Even after all these years, Microsoft still hides the file extensions for known file types. If you are wondering, file extensions are nothing but a few characters that you see after the file name followed by a period. Every file type has its own extension in Windows. For example, text files have .txt extension, Word documents have .doc or .docx extension, etc. When creating new files, you must add a proper extension to be opened or executed properly.
As you can guess, file extensions make it pretty easy to identify the file type at a glance.
As with previous versions, Windows 11 too hides the file extension by default. Though not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, showing the file extension is pretty useful. Personally, it is one of the foremost things I do after installing Windows 11.
So, without delay, let me show you how to show file extension in Windows 11.
Table of contents:
Show file extensions from the File Explorer command bar
The easiest way to show file extensions in Windows 11 is via the File Explorer’s command bar. Microsoft replaced the Ribbon menu with Command Bar, but it is just as easy. Selecting a single option from the View dropdown menu is all you have to do. Let me show you.
- Open the File Explorer.
- Click on the “View” option.
- Choose “Show.”
- Select the “File name extensions” option.
- With that, file extensions are now visible.
Detailed steps with screenshots:
First thing, open the File Explorer. To do that, use the “Start key + I” keyboard shortcut or click on the “File Explorer” icon on the taskbar. You can also search for File Explorer in the Start menu.
After opening it, click on the “View” button and select the “Show > File name extensions” option.
As soon as you select the option, Windows will show file extensions at the end of the file name. You can see the change is applied instantly. If not, restart explorer or the computer
Note: If you don’t see the change instantly, either restart explorer or reboot the computer.
Show file extensions with Folder Options
You can use the good old Folder Options tool to show the file extension for all file types. You just need to uncheck an option and save the changes. It is pretty simple to do. Let me show you how.
- Open the File Explorer with the “Win + I” shortcut.
- Click the “More Options (…)” icon at the top.
- Choose “Options.”
- Go to the “View” tab in Folder Options.
- Uncheck the “Hide extensions for known file types” checkbox.
- Click the “Ok” button.
- With that, file extensions are now visible.
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That is all. It is that simple to show file extension in Windows 11.
I hope this easy and straightforward Windows 11 how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
