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How to Show File Extensions in Windows 10: Step-by-Step
Everything you need to make your PC to show file extensions
2 min. read
Updated onJanuary 10, 2024
updated onJanuary 10, 2024
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Key notes
Windows 10, by default, hides the file extension from the user view in File Explorer to keep the directory clean. However, you may sometimes need it to show file extensions in Windows 10.
It also helps you find theright program to open a fileif Windows cannot recognize the right program to run the file. This article has put together multiple methods to show file extensions in Windows 10.
How can I see file extensions in Windows 10?
1. Use Windows File Explorer
2. Show File Extensions using Control Panel
Using Control Panel settings, you can easily configure Windows to show file extensions so you know the exact type of each file.
- Press theWindowskey +R
2. Typecontroland pressOK.
3. Click on theAppearance and Personalizationtab.
4. Click onFile Explorer Options.
-
In theFile Explorer Optionswindow, click on theViewtab.
-
UnderAdvanced Settings, scroll down and uncheck the boxHide extensions for known file types.
-
ClickApplyand clickOKto save the changes. Windows 10 should show file extensions in File Explorer now.
3. Use the Registry Editor
Another method to show your file extensions is to use the Registry Editor. This changes the DWORD responsible for showing your file extension on Windows 10.
We hope that our solutions helped you be able to show file types and extensions in Windows 10. You can also show your file extensions on Windows using CMD, PowerShell, and Group Policy Editor (GPO).
But the solutions here are the simplest to apply. Ensure you follow the steps carefully and that things are back to normal.
If you want to knowhow to change file type on Windows 10, check our detailed guide to do it quickly.
In case you want to open theSDR format files or ADOC files on your Windows 11computer, we have separate guides for you.
Feel free to let us know in the comments below the solution that helped you fix this issue.
More about the topics:File Explorer,windows 10
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
