How to Change File Types in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever downloaded a file and realized it’s not in the format you need? Maybe you have a .txt file that should be .html, or a .jpg image that you want as .png. The good news is, Windows 11 makes it simple to change file types (file extensions) if you know where to look.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to change file types in Windows 11 step by step, plus share a few pro tips to avoid common mistakes.

What Are File Types (Extensions)?

Every file has a type, identified by its extension (the part after the dot). Examples:

.docx → Microsoft Word document
.jpg → Image file
.mp4 → Video file
.exe → Executable program

Windows uses these extensions to decide which app opens the file. For example, .mp3 files open in music players, while .pdf files open in Adobe Acrobat or Edge.

Why Would You Change File Types?

Here are a few common reasons:

To make a file compatible with a specific program.
To convert documents, images, or videos into more usable formats.
To fix files with the wrong extension.
For advanced tasks like coding or configuration changes.

⚠️ Note: Simply renaming a file doesn’t always convert it—it just changes the extension. To fully convert formats (like .jpg to .png), you may need a converter app.

Method 1: Change File Types by Renaming the Extension

This is the simplest way.

Step 1: Show File Extensions

By default, Windows 11 hides extensions. To reveal them:

Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
Click on the View menu in the toolbar.
Go to Show > File name extensions.
✅ Now you’ll see extensions like .txt, .jpg, .mp4 after filenames.

Step 2: Rename the File Extension

Right-click the file you want to change.
Select Rename.
Replace the old extension with the new one (e.g., change example.txt → example.html).

Step 3: Confirm the Warning

Windows will warn you:

“If you change a file name extension, the file might become unusable.”
Click Yes if you’re sure.

Method 2: Change File Type Using Save As (Best for Documents & Images)

Many apps let you save files in different formats.

Step 1: Open the File

Open the file in its default app (e.g., Word, Paint, Photoshop).

Step 2: Use Save As

Go to File > Save As.
In the Save as type dropdown, choose a new format (e.g., .docx, .pdf, .png).

Step 3: Save the File

Click Save, and you’ll get a new copy in the chosen file type.

Method 3: Use File Converter Apps

If renaming isn’t enough, use third-party tools to fully convert formats.

Documents → LibreOffice, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs.
Images → Paint, IrfanView, or online converters.
Videos → VLC Media Player or HandBrake.
Audio → Audacity or online tools.

These apps don’t just rename extensions—they actually reformat the file so it works properly.

Method 4: Change File Associations (Default Programs)

Sometimes, you don’t need to change the extension—just the app that opens it.

Step 1: Open Settings

Press Windows + I.

Step 2: Go to Default Apps

Navigate to Apps > Default apps.

Step 3: Assign a Program

Scroll down and click Choose defaults by file type.
Find the extension (like .pdf or .jpg) and pick the app you want to open it with.

Common File Type Changes

.txt → .html (for coding simple web pages)
.jpg → .png (for higher quality images with transparency)
.docx → .pdf (for easy sharing)
.mp4 → .mp3 (to extract audio from video)

When Renaming Extensions Doesn’t Work

If you change a file from .jpg to .png but it won’t open, it’s because:

The file wasn’t actually in that format to begin with.
Renaming only changes the label, not the content.
You need a converter tool to properly reformat the file.

How to Restore a File If You Mess Up

Accidentally broke a file by changing its extension?

Rename it back to the original extension.
If you forgot, check what type it originally was (right-click > Properties).
Use a file recovery or conversion tool if needed.

Tips for Changing File Types Safely

Always keep a backup copy before renaming extensions.
Use trusted apps for file conversions.
Don’t rename .exe files unless you know what you’re doing—they’re programs.
If you’re unsure, use the Save As method instead of renaming.

Conclusion

Changing file types in Windows 11 is easy once you show extensions in File Explorer. From there, you can rename the extension, use Save As, or rely on conversion tools for more complex changes.

Just remember: renaming doesn’t always convert the file—it only changes its label. For true conversion, use the right apps or online tools.

With these steps, you’ll never be stuck with the wrong file type again!

FAQs

1. How do I make file extensions visible in Windows 11?
Go to File Explorer > View > Show > File name extensions.

2. Can I change a .txt file to .exe?
Yes, but it won’t magically become a program unless it was coded to be one.

3. Why won’t my renamed file open?
Because renaming doesn’t convert formats—use a proper file converter.

4. Can I batch change file extensions in Windows 11?
Yes, you can select multiple files and rename them, or use PowerShell scripts.

5. Is it safe to change file types?
Yes, as long as you know what you’re doing and keep backups.