В Windows 11 по умолчанию расширения зарегистрированных типов файлов не показываются — для кого-то это может быть удобно, но иногда полезно видеть конкретное расширение: например, так меньше вероятность запустить вредоносный exe файл с иконкой как у файла фото или документа.
В этой пошаговой инструкции для начинающих подробно описаны три способа включить показ расширений файлов в проводнике Windows 11. На близкую тему: Как показать или скрыть скрытые и системные файлы Windows 11.
Меню Проводника
Самый быстрый способ включить отображение расширений — использовать соответствующую опцию в меню нового Проводника.
Шаги будут следующими:
- Откройте проводник. В верхней строчке нажмите кнопку «Просмотреть». Если такой кнопки нет, нажмите по трём точкам, а затем — «Просмотреть».
- Перейдите в раздел «Показать»
- Отметьте пункт «Расширения имен файлов».
С этого момента расширения файлов начнут показываться в Проводнике и на рабочем столе.
В параметрах проводника
Второй способ — использовать элемент панели управления «Параметры проводника» для включения отображения расширений. Открыть его можно одним из следующих способов:
- Открыть меню Проводника и выбрать пункт «Параметры».
- Открыть панель управления и открыть пункт «Параметры проводника»
- Нажать клавиши Win+R на клавиатуре, ввести control folders и нажать Enter.
В открывшихся параметрах проводника:
- Перейдите на вкладку «Вид».
- Снимите отметку с пункта «Скрывать расширения для зарегистрированных типов файлов».
- Примените настройки.
После выполненных действий расширения начнут показываться, во всяком случае для тех файлов, которые его имеют (вам могут встретиться и файлы без расширения).
Параметры разработчика
И ещё одна возможность: включить показ расширений файлов можно в Параметрах, для этого используйте следующие шаги:
- Откройте Параметры — Система — Для разработчиков.
- Раскройте раздел «Проводник» и включите пункт «Отображение расширений файлов».
При этом сам режим разработчика включать не обязательно, чтобы указанная опция работала.
- To show file extensions on Windows 11, open File Explorer, then click on “View,” select “Show,” and choose the “File name extensions” option to show extensions.
- Another way is to open “Folder Options” and clear the “Hide extensions for known file types” option.
- Furthermore, you can enable this feature from the Settings app or by using Command Prompt or PowerShell.
On Windows 11, you can show file extensions on File Explorer in multiple ways, and in this guide, I will show you how to complete this configuration. A file extension is the three or four letters after the period at the end of a filename. It indicates the file format type, such as .txt, .docx, or .pdf. While not strictly necessary for file functionality, extensions offer several benefits.
For example, they provide a quick visual way to identify a file’s format, making it easier to select the right application to open it, and they allow for easy modification of a file’s type, for instance, changing a .txt file to a .bat file for scripting purposes.
File Explorer hides the extensions for known file types by default because it can create a cleaner, less cluttered appearance, particularly for users who aren’t tech-savvy. However, it also helps safeguard against unintentional changes to file extensions, which could render the file unusable. In addition, historically, it was used to mask malicious files disguised as harmless ones, though this is less of a concern today.
Despite the default behavior, it’s often beneficial to display file extensions, and you can change this configuration from the File Explorer and Settings app. If you’re comfortable editing the Registry and using commands, you can also make extensions visible through Command Prompt or PowerShell.
In this guide, I will teach you the easy steps to show extensions for files on File Explorer.
- Show file extensions on Windows 11 from File Explorer
- Show file extensions on Windows 11 from Settings
- Show file extensions on Windows 11 from Command Prompt
To show file extensions on Windows 11, use these steps:
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Open File Explorer (Windows key + E) on Windows 11.
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Click the View menu button in the command bar.
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Select the Show submenu and choose the “File name extensions” option.
Enable extensions from Folder Options
You can also enable file extensions from the “Folder Options” settings using these steps:
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Open File Explorer.
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Click the See more button and click on Options.
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Click the View tab.
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Clear the “Hide extensions for known file types” option under the “Advanced settings” section.
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Click the Apply button.
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Click the OK button.
Once you complete the steps, File Explorer will show extensions for known file types on Windows 11, such as .txt, .exe, and .docx.
Show file extensions on Windows 11 from Settings
To make file extensions visible from the Settings app, use these steps:
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Open Settings.
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Click on System.
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Click the For developers page.
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Click the File Explorer setting.
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Turn on the “Show file extensions” toggle switch.
After you complete the steps, the file extensions will now be available on File Explorer.
Show file extensions on Windows 11 from Command Prompt
You can also use Command Prompt or PowerShell to enable extensions for files by running a command that will edit the Registry to enable the feature. This option will also come in handy when turning on extensions through a script file.
Warning: It’s crucial to note that modifying the Registry can cause serious problems if not used properly. It’s assumed you know what you’re doing and created a full backup of your system before proceeding.
To show file extensions through the Command Prompt on Windows 11, use these steps:
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Open Start.
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Search for Command Prompt or PowerShell, right-click the top result, and choose the Run as administrator option.
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Type the following command to show extensions for files and press Enter:
reg add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced /v HideFileExt /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
After you complete the steps, File Explorer will start displaying file extensions on Windows 11.
If you want to undo the changes, you can use the same instructions, but in step 3, run this reg add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced /v HideFileExt /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f command.
Update October 30, 2024: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.
Способ 1: Раздел меню «Проводника»
В Windows 11 появилось быстрое включение и отключение отображения расширений, что очень удобно для тех, кто постоянно работает с большими объемами файлов.
Для этого откройте любую папку в «Проводнике» и кликните по кнопке с названием «Посмотреть». Из выпадающего меню наведите курсор на строчку «Показать» для отображения дополнительного меню. В нем уже выберите пункт «Расширения имен файлов».
В будущем можете легко переключаться между значениями этого параметра. Галочка стоит — расширения отображаются, и наоборот.
Можете перейти в любую папку, где есть файлы, и посмотреть, появились ли расширения в конце их названий.
Способ 2: «Параметры папок»
Классический для всех Windows метод включения расширений заключается в вызове окна «Параметры папок».
- Откройте любую папку «Проводника» и кликните по кнопке с тремя точками. Из выпадающего меню щелкните по строке «Параметры».
- Появится новое окно, в котором переключитесь на вкладку «Вид», прокрутите список дополнительных параметров в самый низ и уберите галочку с пункта «Скрывать расширения для зарегистрированных типов файлов». Примените изменения кнопкой «ОК».
Результат будет тем же, что и в предыдущем способе.
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Upon diving into Windows 11, you might notice an interesting quirk within File Explorer: it conceals the extensions for familiar to show file extension Windows 11 file types as the default setting. Yet fear not, for there exist several avenues through which you can unveil these extensions.
A file’s extension, a sequence of three or four characters following the dot at the end of its name, symbolizes its format. Consider filenames like ‘my-notes.txt‘ or ‘my-document.docx‘. Although including extensions might seem superfluous once the file is saved, it serves as an additional visual cue to recognize the file format swiftly. Moreover, it proves beneficial when the need arises to switch between compatible extensions—say, transforming ‘.txt‘ to ‘.bat‘, especially when creating scripts or batch files. In this article, we’ll discuss how to show file extensions in Windows 11. So, let’s get started!
How to Show File Extensions Using File Explorer
Within Windows functionality, the File Explorer is an important tool, granting you access to and dominion over your operating system’s array of files. Moreover, this versatile utility accommodates the revelation of file extensions dwelling within your computer’s precincts. To undertake this venture, adhere to the following guidelines:
- Initiate the File Explorer by navigating through the Start menu bar. Simply type ‘file explorer’ and select the most pertinent option from the array of search outcomes.
- Go to the ‘View’ tab on the interface.
- Click “View” to see more options, then click “Show” to proceed.
- Select “File name extensions.”
- Confirm your intention to display file name extensions Windows 11 and watch the satisfying transformation.
- With this final step, your computing world will undergo a refreshing transformation. Watch as file extensions are revealed like a curtain being drawn back to reveal the hidden nature of each Windows 11 file.
See File Extensions via Command Prompt
If you face any problems with the avenue, don’t worry. You could also try using the Command Prompt. Here are the steps to get started:
- To start, open the Start menu and type “cmd” in the search bar. Choose the Command Prompt application from the search results.
- You’re ready to take control with the Command Prompt at your fingertips. Here’s how to show file extensions in Windows 11 command line:
reg add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced /v HideFileExt /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
- Hit the ‘Enter‘ key to set this command into motion.
Using command lines lets you control your system and learn more about it. Using a specific command allows you to see file extensions and better understand your system.
View File Extensions through File Explorer Options
File Explorer options let you navigate your system’s settings. By following these steps, you can change how File Explorer behaves, including whether or not to show file extensions:
- Open the Start menu’s search bar and type ‘control panel.’ Choose the best match that appears.
- Inside the Control Panel, search for ‘file explorer options‘ and select the most relevant result.
- Click on the “View” tab.
- Look for ‘Advanced settings‘ and find the section named ‘Files and Folders.‘
- Find the box that says, “Hide extensions for known file types.” Uncheck it to trigger the display of hidden extensions.
- Confirm by clicking ‘OK.’ Your settings will be saved instantly.
Display File Extensions in Windows 11 via Folder Options
To show file extensions on Windows 11 using Folder Options, follow these steps:
- Launch File Explorer and tap the three-dot menu on the upper toolbar. From there, select “Options.”
- Move to the “View” tab in the ensuing window. Scroll to find the setting you’re looking for.
- Spot the checkbox labeled “Hide extensions for known file types.” Uncheck it, then confirm by hitting “OK.”
- Explore a folder containing various file types, and you’ll now notice the file extensions accompanying each file name.
- If you wish to revert to the default hidden state, return to Folder Options and check the “Hide extensions for known file types” checkbox. Confirm by clicking “OK.”
Show File Extensions in Windows 11 via Windows Settings
To make file extensions visible in Windows 11 using the Settings app, follow these steps:
- Swiftly launch the Settings app by pressing “Windows + I“ keys together. Next, let’s head over to the left sidebar and click on “Privacy & Security.” Once you’re there, check out the right pane and click on “For developers.” It’s right there waiting for you!
- Locate the “File Explorer” section, then click “Show settings” next to the option “Change settings to show file extensions.”
- The familiar Folder Options window will open, akin to the previous method. In this window, clear the checkmark next to “Hide extensions for known file types.” Confirm by selecting “OK.”
- Now, your Windows 11 PC will unveil file extensions for easy access.
The Bottom Line
The new Windows 11 Explorer interface looks pretty nice. They’ve moved some of the most-used options to the View menu so you can get to them quickly. It’s important to turn on the display of file extensions in Windows 11 so you know what kind of file you’re about to open. To enhance your Windows 11 experience further, consider downloading SmartWindows. This cool application makes your Windows 11 experience smoother and faster, so you can get more done in less time.
SmartWindows
Restore Browser Tabs with SmartWindows. It maintains an active tab history and restores browser size as well as display position on one screen or many.
FAQs
How do I show all file extensions?
- Launch File Explorer.
- Select the View tab.
- Select the checkbox labeled “File name extension.”
- Optionally, you can also enable Hidden items.
- Now, file extensions will be visible.
What is the shortcut to show file extensions?
- Use Windows logo + E to open File Explorer.
- Press Alt, then V, and finally HF to toggle file name extensions.
How do I hide file extensions in Windows 11?
When in the Folder Options window, scroll to Advanced settings. You can hide or show file extensions by selecting or deselecting the “Hide extensions for known file types” checkbox in File Explorer. Confirm your choice by clicking Apply and OK at the bottom.
Every file on your system has a file extension associated with it that lets Windows know the file’s type and the application that will be suitable to open it. However, they’re not enabled by default on Windows 11, which means your file names won’t show their extensions straight away. In this guide, we explore a few ways to show file extensions on Windows 11 and why it is a good idea to do so.
What are file extensions on Windows?
As stated earlier, file extensions highlight the type and the format of the file in which it was rendered. File extensions tend to be three or four letters long, such as PNG or DOCX, and make up the second part of a file name – the one that comes after the period.
For example, in the file “painting.jpg”, painting is the name of the file while jpg is its extension. This enables Windows to understand which application or set of applications will be ideal for opening the files.
Related: How to Change a File Type on Windows 11
Let us explore all the different ways in which you can make file extensions visible on Windows 11.
Method #01: Using File Explorer – View menu
The File Explorer on Windows has always afforded the convenience of hiding or showing file extensions with a few clicks. Here’s how to go about showing file extensions on Windows 11:
Press Win + E to open the File Explorer. Alternatively, click on it in the taskbar.
Now click on View in the toolbar above.
Then go to Show and then click on File name extensions so that there’s a tick next to it.
Once you do so, you will have enabled visibility for file extensions.
Method #02: Using File Explorer – Folder Options
The File Explorer lets you show file extensions from the ‘Folder Options’ option as well. Here’s how to go about it:
Open File Explorer by pressing Win + E. Then click on the three-dot icon at the top.
Choose Options.
Click on the View tab to switch to it.
Now make sure the Hide extensions for known file types is unchecked. Then click on OK.
Method #03: Using File Explorer – File Type menu
Another way to view the file extensions is to add the file ‘Type’ column in the File Explorer. This works only if you’ve set ‘View’ to either ‘Details’ or ‘Content’. Here’s how to go about the whole process:
Open File Explorer and navigate to a folder that contains a few files. Then click on View at the top.
Select either Details or Content. In our example, we’re choosing the former.
Doing so will display the details of the files. To add the ‘Type’ column, right-click on any of the columns towards the top of the files.
Then select Type.
You will now see the ‘Type’ column appear, displaying the extensions of the files.
Method #04: Using Registry Editor
If the aforementioned methods don’t work on your system, you can also make use of the Registry Editor to show file extensions. Here’s how:
Press Win + R to open the RUN dialog box. Then type regedit and hit Enter.
Now navigate to the following address in the Registry Editor:
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Alternatively, simply copy the above and paste it into the Registry Editor’s address bar.
Then hit Enter. On the right, double-click on HideFileExt.
Change its value data from 1 to 0. Then click OK.
Restart Windows Explorer or your PC for the changes to take effect.
Method #5: Using Command Prompt
For those who like working on a Windows terminal like the Command Prompt, here’s how you can show file extensions with a simple command:
Firstly, press Start, type cmd, and click on Run as administrator.
reg add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced /v HideFilesExt /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Then press Enter. You should see the “operated completed successfully” message.
This means that the command is registered and your file extensions should now be visible.
Method #6: Using Batch Script
A batch file is another, rather simpler, way to show file extensions on Windows. Once created, this batch file can be used on any computer for the same purpose. Here’s how to create one and use it to make file extensions visible:
Right-click on the desktop and select New > Text document.
Open this Notepad file and type the following into it:
reg add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced /v HideFileExt /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Or simply copy the above and paste it into the Notepad file.
Then click on File.
Click on Save as.
Give this file a name and make sure to add .bat at its end.
Then click on the drop-down menu next to “Save as type” and select All files.
Then click on Save.
The batch file will now be saved. Double-click it to make file extensions visible.
Why should you keep file extensions visible?
Turning on file extensions visibility not only lets you know the type of a file, but also provides information that is important from a security point of view. When you download a file, having file extensions visible will ensure that you know the exact type and extension of the file being downloaded.
File names can also have multiple periods in them, and if you haven’t turned on file extension visibility, you may end up downloading a malware infected file. For instance, a file name called wallpaper.png may actually be wallpaper.png.exe. So, instead of a PNG file, you actually have an executable that can introduce malware to your system if you’re not careful.
Other than that, if you have file extensions visible, you can change a file’s type easily by changing the extension.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here we answer a few commonly asked questions concerning file extensions.
How do I change file extensions in Windows 11?
There are various ways to change file extensions in Windows 11. Refer to our guide How to Change a File Type on Windows 11: Basic and Advanced Ways to Do So! for the same.
How to hide file extensions in Windows 11?
Hiding file extensions is as easy as showing them. In our guide above, in Methods #1-3, simply select the box that says “Hide extensions for known files”. In Methods #4-6, change the value from 0 to 1. Everything else remains the same.
How to show hidden files in Windows 11?
The simplest way to show hidden files is to do so from the File Explorer option. Press Win + E to open File Explorer. Click on View at the top, select Show, then click on Hidden items to make sure there’s a tick next to it.
Related: How to show large files on Windows 11
What are some common filename extensions in Windows?
There are tons of filename extensions that are recognized by Windows. Microsoft’s support page has a dedicated page that lists all the common filename extensions and their formats.
We hope you were able to show file extensions on your PC with the methods given above. Doing so comes in handy when you have to change file types and to know exactly the extension of the file that you’re accessing.
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