Windows 11 Show File Extensions: 3 Ways in File Explorer

By default, Windows 11 hides the extension at the end of most file names, so report.docx shows up simply as report. If you want Windows 11 to show file extensions, there are three places to switch them on: the View menu in File Explorer, the classic Folder Options dialog, and a toggle in the Settings app. All three change the same setting, apply to every folder for your account, and can be turned off again in seconds.

This guide covers each method on Windows 11 version 24H2 and 25H2 (Home and Pro work the same), explains why extensions matter for security, and shows how to rename an extension without breaking the file.

Why turn on file extensions

The extension is the short code after the last dot in a file name, such as .pdf, .jpg, .zip or .exe. Windows uses it to decide which app opens the file. Hiding it makes names tidier, but it also hides useful information:

• Spotting disguised files. A malicious attachment named invoice.pdf.exe appears as invoice.pdf when extensions are hidden. With extensions visible, the .exe at the end gives it away.
• Telling similar files apart. A folder with photo.jpg, photo.png and photo.heic looks like three identical names without extensions.
• Working with web, code and config files. Files like .html, .json, .ps1 or .csv are easier to handle when you can see exactly what they are.
• Saving in the right format. You can check at a glance that an export really came out as .mp4 or .pdf.

Extensions worth recognising once they are visible:

Extension	What it is	Treat with care?
.exe, .msi	Programs and installers	Yes, run only from sources you trust
.bat, .cmd, .ps1, .vbs	Scripts that run commands	Yes, never open from unknown email
.zip, .7z	Compressed archives	Check what is inside before opening
.docx, .xlsx, .pdf	Documents	Usually safe, but macros and links can still be abused
.jpg, .png, .mp4	Pictures and video	Low risk

Microsoft’s list of common file name extensions, linked in the sources, explains many more.

Method 1: File Explorer View menu (fastest)

1. Open File Explorer with Windows key + E.
2. On the command bar, select View.
3. Point to Show.
4. Select File name extensions. A check mark appears next to it.

Extensions now appear in every folder, on the desktop and in Open and Save dialogs. In the same Show submenu you will also find Hidden items, which reveals hidden files and folders such as AppData. Turn that on only when you need it.

Method 2: Folder Options

The older Folder Options dialog has the same setting phrased the other way around, plus more detailed options.

1. In File Explorer, select See more (the three dots on the command bar) and choose Options.
2. Open the View tab.
3. Under Advanced settings, clear the checkbox Hide extensions for known file types.
4. Select Apply, then OK.

You can also open this dialog by searching Start for File Explorer Options. The View tab here is where you would also choose to show hidden files and protected operating system files. Leave Hide protected operating system files ticked unless you have a specific reason; those files are hidden to stop accidental deletion.

Method 3: The Settings app

Microsoft also exposes the switch in the Settings app, in a page aimed at power users:

Windows 11 version	Settings path
25H2	Settings > System > Advanced > File Explorer > Show file extensions
24H2	Settings > System > For developers > File Explorer > Show file extensions

According to Microsoft Learn, the For developers page was renamed Advanced in version 25H2, and its File Explorer section includes Show file extensions, Show hidden and system files, and Show full path in title bar. You do not need to turn on Developer Mode to use these toggles. Not sure which version you have? Press Windows key + R, type winver and press Enter.

How to rename a file extension safely

Once extensions are visible you can change them, which is useful when a file was saved with the wrong ending, for example a text file you want to treat as .csv.

1. Select the file and press F2, or right-click it and choose the Rename icon.
2. Edit the part after the last dot and press Enter.
3. Windows warns: “If you change a file name extension, the file might become unusable.” Select Yes only if you are sure.

Renaming does not convert a file. Changing song.wav to song.mp3 leaves the data as WAV; most players will refuse it or play it by luck. To convert, open the file in an app that can export the format you need, such as Photos or Paint for images. If a file stops opening after a rename, change the extension back.

Checking a single file without changing the setting

If you prefer to keep extensions hidden, you can still check one file:

• Right-click the file and choose Properties. Type of file shows the format and extension, for example “Text Document (.txt)”.
• Switch the folder to Details view (View > Details). The Type column describes each file.

Extensions and default apps

The extension also controls which app opens a file. To change it, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps, or right-click a file, choose Open with > Choose another app, and tick Always. Our Windows 11 default apps guide covers this in detail.

Related tweaks

Showing extensions is one of the few changes we recommend on every PC, because it costs nothing and improves security awareness. Pair it with real protection from Microsoft Defender, and see our safe Windows 11 tweaks for other reversible changes made through Settings. If you work in File Explorer all day, the Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts list will save you more clicks.

With extensions visible you can spot .rar, .7z and .tar files, which current Windows 11 versions open natively; see open RAR files in Windows 11.