How to See File Extensions in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 2, 2025

When you download, save, or share files on your PC, you’ll often notice names like document.docx or photo.jpg. The part after the dot is called a file extension. It tells Windows (and you) what type of file it is and which app can open it.

By default, Windows 11 hides these extensions. While this looks clean, it can also be confusing—especially if you want to rename files, troubleshoot issues, or check for suspicious files. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to enable file extensions in Windows 11, step by step.

What Are File Extensions?

A file extension is the short suffix at the end of a filename, usually three or four letters. Examples include:

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

These little tags matter because they tell Windows which program should open the file. Without them, identifying file types can be tricky.

Why Show File Extensions in Windows 11?

So, why bother displaying them? Here are a few good reasons:

  • Avoid confusion – Know whether report is a Word doc (.docx) or a PDF (.pdf).
  • Better security – Spot malicious files disguised as images but really .exe.
  • Easier troubleshooting – Developers, IT folks, and power users rely on extensions.
  • File conversions – Rename and change extensions manually when needed.

In short, showing file extensions gives you more control and clarity.

How to Show File Extensions in Windows 11

There are multiple ways to do this. Let’s go through each one.

1. Using File Explorer View Options

This is the fastest and most user-friendly method.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Go to the View menu at the top.
  3. Hover over Show.
  4. Select File name extensions.

Now all files will display their extensions right away.

2. Using the File Explorer Ribbon (Quick Access)

Windows 11 also allows quick toggling through the Explorer ribbon.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. At the top, select the View tab.
  3. Check the box for File name extensions.

✅ This works instantly across your system.

3. Through Folder Options

If you want to set this permanently via settings:

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Click the three dots (···) in the toolbar.
  3. Select Options.
  4. Go to the View tab.
  5. Under Advanced settings, uncheck Hide extensions for known file types.
  6. Click Apply > OK.

This ensures extensions are always visible, no matter what folder you open.

4. Using Windows Settings (Indirect Method)

You can also access the same setting through Windows Settings.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. Navigate to Privacy & security > For developers.
  3. Scroll to File Explorer settings.
  4. Click Change settings to show file extensions (this opens Folder Options).
  5. Uncheck Hide extensions for known file types.

This is basically a shortcut to the same feature.

Tips for Working with File Extensions

  • Be cautious when renaming extensions – Changing .jpg to .png won’t actually convert the file type.
  • Watch out for double extensions – Hackers may disguise files as invoice.pdf.exe.
  • Use third-party tools – Apps like Bulk Rename Utility can help with mass renaming.
  • Remember defaults – Even if hidden, Windows still knows the extension internally.

When to Hide File Extensions Again

While showing them is helpful, some users may prefer a cleaner look. If you’re not dealing with file types often and just want a clutter-free Explorer, you can hide them again by reversing the steps above.

Final Thoughts

Seeing file extensions in Windows 11 is a small change that brings big benefits—better control, improved security, and fewer file mix-ups. Whether you use the View menu, Folder Options, or Settings, enabling this feature takes only seconds.

Once you start seeing them, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without them.

FAQs

Q1. Are file extensions always necessary?
Yes, Windows uses them to identify file types, even if they’re hidden.

Q2. Can I change a file extension to open it in another program?
Sometimes. But simply renaming doesn’t convert formats—use proper conversion software.

Q3. What if I accidentally remove a file extension?
The file may not open correctly. Just add the correct extension back (e.g., .docx, .jpg).

Q4. Why does Windows hide extensions by default?
Microsoft hides them to make things look simpler for casual users.

Q5. Can I see file extensions on all drives and folders at once?
Yes, once enabled, the setting applies system-wide in Windows 11.

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