How to Show File Type in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

When you look at files in Windows 11, you’ll notice they often show names like Document, Photo, or Video — but not always their file extensions (like .docx, .jpg, or .mp4). File extensions are important because they help you identify the file type and know which app can open it.

For example, a file named report.docx is a Word document, while report.pdf is a PDF. If you can’t see the extension, you might open it with the wrong app — or worse, run a harmful executable file thinking it’s safe.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to show file types (extensions) in Windows 11, step by step. You’ll learn multiple methods — from File Explorer settings to Folder Options and even using Command Prompt or Registry Editor — so you can choose the one that works best for you.

What Are File Types and Extensions?

Every file on your computer has a file type, which defines what kind of data it contains — text, image, audio, video, or software.

The file extension (the part after the dot in a filename) tells Windows which program should open it. For example:

By default, Windows hides these extensions to make filenames “cleaner.” But in reality, it’s safer — and more informative — to always show file types.

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2. Why You Should Show File Extensions in Windows 11

Here’s why enabling file extensions is a smart move:

• 🔒 Security: Prevents accidentally running malicious .exe files disguised as images or documents.

• 📁 Clarity: Helps you quickly identify file formats.

• 🛠️ Control: Lets you change file extensions manually when needed.

• 💡 Troubleshooting: Makes it easier to fix file-type errors or conversion issues.

Example: A file named invoice.pdf.exe might look like a harmless PDF, but it’s actually an executable file — potentially dangerous. Showing file types lets you see the truth.

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3. Method 1: Show File Extensions via File Explorer Menu

The quickest and easiest way to show file extensions in Windows 11 is through File Explorer’s View menu.

Step-by-Step:

1. Open File Explorer (press Windows + E).

2. Click the View tab at the top.

3. Hover over Show → select File name extensions.

✅ Done! Now all your files will display their extensions — .txt, .jpg, .exe, etc.

Example:

• Before: photo

• After: photo.jpg

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4. Method 2: Show File Extensions via Folder Options

You can also enable file type visibility from the Folder Options menu.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click the three dots (•••) in the toolbar → choose Options.

3. In the Folder Options window, select the View tab.

4. Find the setting “Hide extensions for known file types.”

5. Uncheck this box.

6. Click Apply → OK.

Now you’ll see extensions for all known file types across the system.

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5. Method 3: Show File Extensions via Control Panel

Prefer the traditional route? You can use the Control Panel.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type Control Panel, and open it.

2. Go to Appearance and Personalization → File Explorer Options.

3. Click the View tab.

4. Uncheck Hide extensions for known file types.

5. Click Apply → OK.

This method achieves the same result system-wide.

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6. Method 4: Show File Extensions Using Command Prompt

If you love command-line tools, you can toggle file extensions with CMD.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and open it as Administrator.

2. Run the following command:

   reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v HideFileExt /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f


3. Restart File Explorer (or your computer).

✅ Extensions will now appear next to file names.

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7. Method 5: Show File Extensions via Windows Registry

For advanced users, you can change this setting directly in the Registry Editor.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Proceed carefully.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

2. Navigate to:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced


3. On the right side, find HideFileExt.

4. Double-click it → change the value data from 1 to 0.

5. Click OK, then restart File Explorer.

This ensures all file extensions are visible permanently.

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8. Method 6: Show File Extensions Using PowerShell

You can also use PowerShell to automate the process.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → choose Windows Terminal (Admin).

2. Run the following command:

   Set-ItemProperty -Path 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced' -Name HideFileExt -Value 0


3. Restart File Explorer with:

   Stop-Process -Name explorer -Force


When you reopen File Explorer, extensions will be visible.

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9. How to Hide File Extensions Again (Optional)

If you decide you prefer the default clean look, you can hide extensions again.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer → View → Show.

2. Uncheck File name extensions.

Or use Folder Options → check Hide extensions for known file types → click Apply.

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10. How to Change File Extensions in Windows 11

Once extensions are visible, you can rename or change them — but be cautious.

Steps to Change an Extension:

1. Select a file → press F2 to rename.

2. Edit the part after the dot (.).

3. Press Enter.

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

Example: Changing report.txt to report.html turns it into a web page file.

⚠️ Note: Changing extensions doesn’t convert file formats — it only changes how Windows recognizes them.

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11. Common File Extensions and What They Mean

Here’s a handy table of common Windows file types:

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12. How to Open Unknown File Types

Sometimes you’ll encounter files with unrecognized extensions. To open them:

1. Right-click the file → select Open with.

2. Choose Choose another app.

3. Pick a suitable program or search online for the extension type.

💡 Tip: Sites like fileinfo.com help identify unknown file types.

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13. Troubleshooting: File Extensions Still Not Showing

If extensions remain hidden after following the steps, try these fixes:

• ✅ Restart File Explorer — press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, find Windows Explorer, right-click → Restart.

• ✅ Sign out and sign back in to your account.

• ✅ Check registry value HideFileExt is set to 0.

• ✅ Run Windows Update — outdated versions may glitch.

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14. Tips for Managing File Types Safely

• ⚠️ Never open unknown .exe or .bat files from email or downloads.

• 💾 Backup your important files before renaming or converting.

• 🧹 Use consistent naming so you can easily find your files later.

• 🔍 Enable “File name extensions” permanently — it’s your first line of defense against malware.

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15. Summary: Key Takeaways

In short:
To show file types in Windows 11, open File Explorer, go to View → Show → File name extensions, and ensure it’s checked.

Once done, all your files will display their extensions clearly, helping you stay organized and secure.

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16. FAQs

1. Why are file extensions hidden by default in Windows 11?

Microsoft hides them to make file names look cleaner, but it’s less secure. Showing them helps avoid mistakes and malware.

2. Can I make extensions visible only for specific folders?

No — when you enable or disable extensions, it applies system-wide.

3. Does changing a file’s extension change its format?

No. It just changes how Windows identifies it. You’ll need a converter tool to truly change the file format.

4. How do I show file extensions for specific file types only?

Windows doesn’t support partial extension visibility — it’s all or none.

5. What’s the safest way to manage unknown files?

Always show extensions, scan files with Windows Defender, and avoid opening unknown .exe or .bat files.

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Final Thoughts

Knowing how to show file type in Windows 11 is a small but powerful skill that enhances both your security and productivity. Whether you’re managing work documents, photos, or system files, showing extensions gives you full control over your data.

Once you enable this feature, you’ll never mistake a .jpg for an .exe again — and that can save you from major trouble.