How to see file extensions in Windows 11 PC

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This tip is about the how to see file extensions in Windows 11 PC. So read this free guide, How to see file extensions in Windows 11 PC step by step. If you have query related to same article you may contact us.

How to see file extensions in Windows 11 PC – Guide

File extensions allow any operating system to recognize a file and run it with an appropriate program already installed. However, since most non-technical people don’t care what type of file they are using, Microsoft Windows does not display any file’s extensions. However, for security reasons, it is advisable to check the extension of a file downloaded from the Internet before executing it to protect your computer from malware or ransomware attacks (e.g. PDFs and image file formats are infected with viruses and usually have .EXE extension).

As mentioned earlier, file extensions provide information about the type and format of the file in which it is rendered. File extensions are usually three or four letters long, like PNG or DOCX, and form the second part of a filename – the part that comes after the period. For example, in the file “painting.jpg”, painting is the file name and jpg is the extension.

That way, Windows can tell which application or group of applications is suitable for opening the files. So you should be able to see the file extensions to ensure security, and we’ll show you how to Enable the options to view file extensions in Windows.

How to see file extensions on Windows 11 PC

With File Explorer

File Explorer is a Windows component that allows you to access and manage your operating system’s files. You can also use it to display your computer’s file extensions. To do this, follow the steps below:

Open File Explorer. Go to the start menu bar, type ‘file explorer’ and select the best match.

Click View from above.

Now click on Show.

Then select File Name Extensions.

Finally, check the File name extensions option and you are all set. As soon as you click on File Name Extensions, your PC will be updated and the extensions of all your Windows 11 files will be visible.

with command prompt

If the above approach fails for some reason, don’t panic as you can access the command prompt. First up, go to the start menu search bar, type ‘cmd’ and select the best match. When you start the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

reg add HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced /v HideFileExt /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f.

With File Explorer Options

File Explorer Options is the central hub from where you can tweak your File Explorer settings. You can also use it to show Windows file extensions. Here’s How to get started:

Go to the start menu search bar, type ‘control panel’ and select the best match.

Go to the search option, type ‘file explorer option’ and select the best match.

Now choose the View tab.

In the Advanced Settings option, go to the Files and Folders section and uncheck the Hide extensions for known file types options.

Finally, click OK and your settings will be saved. Once you complete the above steps, all hidden extensions on your Windows 11 PC will be visible again.

Final note

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