How to Show File Extensions in Windows 10
Are you tired of not being able to see the file extensions in Windows 10? Do you want to know how to enable the file extensions in Windows 10? In this article, we will guide you on how to show file extensions in Windows 10 in a few simple steps.
How to Show File Extensions in Windows 10?
To show file extensions in Windows 10, you can follow these steps:
- Go to File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
- Click on the View tab located at the top left corner of the File Explorer window.
- Click on the Options button, which looks like a gear icon.
- In the File Explorer Options window, click on the View tab.
- Under the "Advanced settings" section, click on the checkbox next to "Hide known file extensions" to remove the tick mark, which means to disable it. By doing so, you are enabling the file extensions.
Why Hide File Extensions in Windows 10?
Some users may want to hide file extensions in Windows 10 for security reasons, such as:
- Protection from malware: Some malware, such as viruses or trojans, may try to trick users into opening a malicious file with a misleading name. By hiding file extensions, you can reduce the risk of accidentally opening a harmful file.
- Prevention of accidental opening: With file extensions hidden, you are less likely to accidentally open a file that you didn’t intend to open.
Benefits of Showing File Extensions in Windows 10
However, there are some benefits to showing file extensions in Windows 10:
- Easy identification: Showing file extensions can help you quickly identify the type of file you are dealing with, which can be helpful when sorting and organizing your files.
- Improved workflow: When you can see the file extensions, you can more easily categorize and sort your files based on their extensions, making it easier to work with them.
- Better troubleshooting: When you can see the file extensions, you can quickly identify the cause of problems related to file associations and fix them more easily.
Common File Extensions in Windows 10
Here are some common file extensions that you may encounter in Windows 10:
| File Extension | Description |
|---|---|
| .docx | Microsoft Word document |
| .xlsx | Microsoft Excel spreadsheet |
| .txt | Plain text file |
| .jpg | Image file |
| .mp3 | Audio file |
| Portable Document Format file | |
| .zip | Compressed file |
Tips and Tricks for Using File Extensions in Windows 10
Here are some additional tips and tricks for using file extensions in Windows 10:
- Use the "File" menu in File Explorer to change the "File name extensions" setting, which can be accessed by right-clicking on an empty space in the File Explorer window and selecting "View" and then "Options".
- Use the "Open with" option to associate specific programs with file extensions by right-clicking on a file and selecting "Open with" and then selecting the program you want to use to open the file.
- Use the "Properties" option to view more information about a file, including its file extension, by right-clicking on a file and selecting "Properties".
Conclusion
In this article, we covered how to show file extensions in Windows 10, why some users might want to hide file extensions, and some benefits of showing file extensions. We also provided a list of common file extensions and some tips and tricks for using file extensions in Windows 10. By following these steps, you can easily show file extensions in Windows 10 and start taking advantage of the benefits that come with it.