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How to Show File Extensions in Windows 11 File Explorer

Turn on filename extensions in Windows 11 through File Explorer or Folder Options, and learn how that setting differs from showing hidden items.
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To show file extensions in Windows 11, open File Explorer and select View > Show > File name extensions. If you want the advanced setting instead, open View > Show > Options, choose the View tab, and clear Hide extensions for known file types.

Show file extensions from File Explorer

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Select View > Show > File name extensions.

Windows will display extensions such as .txt or .pdf at the ends of filenames. Microsoft documents this menu path in its File Explorer in Windows guide.

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Use the advanced Folder Options setting

  1. In File Explorer, select View > Show > Options to open Folder Options.
  2. Open the View tab.
  3. Clear Hide extensions for known file types.
  4. Apply or confirm the change if the dialog presents those controls.

This is the advanced setting corresponding to the File name extensions menu switch.

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Show hidden files separately

Showing extensions does not reveal hidden files or folders. To show hidden items, select View > Show > Hidden items. In Folder Options, the corresponding setting is Show hidden files, folders, and drives. Neither switch automatically reveals protected system files. Microsoft lists both controls in its File Explorer guide.

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What a filename extension does—and does not do

An extension indicates a file type and helps Windows identify associated applications. Making extensions visible only changes what File Explorer displays; it does not alter a file’s contents.

Renaming a suffix does not convert a file to another format. For example, changing a document’s extension is not a substitute for exporting or converting it with an appropriate application. See Microsoft’s guidance on common file name extensions in Windows.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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