How to display file extensions

Windows does not show file extensions by default, but you can change individual settings and have Windows 7, 8, or 10 always show the full file extension for each file.

##Why should the file extension be displayed

Every file has a file extension that tells Windows what type of file it is. File extensions are usually three or four digits, but can be longer. For example, Word documents have a .doc or .docx file extension. If you have a file called Example.docx, Windows knows it is a Word document and will open it using Microsoft Word.

There are many different file extensions. For example, audio files may have file extensions such as .mp3, .aac, .wma, .flac, .ogg, or many other possibilities depending on their audio file type.

Setting Windows to show file extensions can help

increase security. For example, the .exe file extension is one of many file extensions that Windows runs as a program. If you can't see what extension a file has, it can be difficult to tell whether it's a program or a secure document or media file.

For example, you might have a file called "document" that contains the icon for an installed PDF reader. If the file extension is hidden, there is no way to quickly tell whether it is a legitimate PDF document or a malicious program using a PDF reader icon as a disguise. If you set Windows to show file extensions, you will be able to see whether it is a safe document called "document.pdf" or a dangerous file called "document.exe." You can check the file's properties window for more information, but you don't need to do this if you have the file extension enabled.

How to Show File Extensions in Windows 8 and 10

This option is easily accessible in File Explorer on Windows 8 and 10.

Click the View tab on the ribbon. Activate the "File extension" box in the "Show/Hide" section to turn file extensions on or off. File Explorer will remember this setting until you disable it in the future.

How to show file extensions in Windows 7

This option is a little bit more hidden on Windows 7, it is hidden under " Folder Options window.

Click the "Organize" button on the Windows Explorer toolbar and select "Folder and Search Options" to open it.

Click the View tab at the top of the Folder Options window. Disable the "Hide extensions for known file types" checkbox under Advanced Settings. Click OK to change settings.

This options window is also accessible on Windows 8 and 10 - just click the Options button on the View toolbar. But it's faster to quickly switch file extensions through the ribbon.

This window can also be accessed through the Control Panel on any version of Windows. Go to Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Folder Options. On Windows 8 and 10, it's called "File Explorer Options."

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