By default all Windows versions such as Windows 7, Vista, Windows 8 or Windows 10 don’t show file name extensions for known file types. This means that as long as a file type is associated with a program, Windows will show only a file name and not its extension. But sometimes this may cause unnecessary confusion. For example, if there are two files with the same file name but a different extension, it’s difficult to distinguish one file from another. In this tutorial we’ll explain how to show file name extensions in Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7.

Part 1: How to Show File Name Extensions in Windows 11

1. Open File Explorer, click on View at the top and then select Show from the drop-down menu.

   

2. Next, choose “File name extensions” so that there’s a tick next to it. The extensions of all your files will become visible.

   

Part 2: How to Show File Name Extensions in Windows 10 / 8

1. Open up File Explorer.
2. When the File Explorer window opens, click on the View tab at the top. Check the box next to “File name extensions“.

   

3. Now, you should be able to see file name extensions for every file on your computer.

Part 3: How to Show File Name Extensions in Windows 7

1. Open up Windows Explorer.
2. click Organize in the toolbar on the top, and then select Folder and search options.

   

3. Click the View tab in the Folder Options dialog box. Deselect Hide extensions for known file types and click OK.

   

4. This will make Windows 7 show file name extensions immediately.