How to Show File Type in Windows 10?

In Windows 10, files come with different formats (extensions) that determine how they are used or opened. These file types are usually hidden by default, which can be inconvenient if you need to know the exact format of a file. Fortunately, Windows 10 allows you to display file types (extensions) so you can easily identify them and ensure you’re working with the correct files.

This guide will walk you through the simple steps to show file types in Windows 10, making it easier to manage your files and avoid confusion when working with different file formats.

Why Show File Types in Windows 10?

File extensions indicate the format of a file (e.g., .txt for text files, .jpg for image files). Knowing a file’s type is important because:

1. Identifying file format: Helps you understand what kind of file you’re dealing with, which program to use to open it, or if the file is compatible with other programs.
2. Avoiding errors: You can prevent accidental file opening or conversion errors, especially if file extensions are crucial for software compatibility.
3. Managing file security: Sometimes, malicious files use misleading names without extensions to trick users. Seeing the full file extension can help identify suspicious files.

How to Show File Types (Extensions) in Windows 10

To make file types visible, follow these simple steps:

Option 1: Using File Explorer Settings

1. Open File Explorer:
   • Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, or click the File Explorer icon on your taskbar.
2. Access Folder Options:
   • Click the View tab at the top of the File Explorer window.
   • In the Show/hide section, click Options (the drop-down arrow next to it) and then select Change folder and search options.
3. Change Folder Options:
   • In the Folder Options window that appears, go to the View tab.
4. Uncheck “Hide extensions for known file types”:
   • In the Advanced settings list, scroll down and find the option Hide extensions for known file types.
   • Uncheck this box.
5. Click Apply and OK:
   • Once the box is unchecked, click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

Now, file extensions will be displayed for all files in File Explorer.

Option 2: Showing File Extensions for Individual Files

In case you only want to see the file type for specific files, you can manually check the file extensions:

1. Right-click the file:
   • In File Explorer, right-click on any file for which you want to see the extension.
2. Select “Properties”:
   • Choose Properties from the context menu.
3. Check the “Type of file”:
   • In the Properties window, look under the Type of file section, where the file extension will be shown. For example, it might say “JPEG Image (.jpg)” or “Text Document (.txt)”.

This method works without altering the default settings, but it only shows the file type for one file at a time.

Option 3: Using the “File Name” Field in the File Explorer Address Bar

If you don’t want to adjust the settings globally but need to check a file’s extension occasionally, you can use the address bar in File Explorer:

1. Navigate to the File:
   • Open File Explorer and go to the folder containing the file you want to inspect.
2. Hover Over the File:
   • Hover your mouse pointer over the file’s name. The full file name with its extension will briefly appear in the address bar.
   For example, it may show MyPhoto.jpg if the file is a JPG image, or Document.txt if it’s a text file.

How to Identify Common File Types and Their Extensions

Here are some of the most common file types and their associated extensions:

• Text Documents: .txt, .doc, .docx, .rtf
• Image Files: .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .bmp
• Audio Files: .mp3, .wav, .aac
• Video Files: .mp4, .avi, .mkv, .mov
• Executable Files: .exe, .bat, .msi
• Compressed Files: .zip, .rar, .tar
• Web Files: .html, .css, .js
• PDF Files: .pdf
• Spreadsheet Files: .xls, .xlsx, .csv
• Presentation Files: .ppt, .pptx

By displaying the file extensions in Windows 10, you can easily identify these common formats and know which program to open them with.

How to Change a File Extension in Windows 10

If you need to change the extension of a file (for example, changing .jpg to .png), follow these steps:

1. Show File Extensions (if not already shown):
   • Make sure file extensions are visible by following the steps mentioned above.
2. Rename the File:
   • Right-click the file and select Rename.
   • Edit the file name by changing the extension. For example, change image.jpg to image.png.
3. Confirm the Change:
   • Windows will warn you that changing the extension could make the file unusable. Click Yes to proceed if you are sure about the change.

Note: Be cautious when changing file extensions, as it can render the file unusable if the new extension is incompatible with the content of the file.

Conclusion

Showing file types (extensions) in Windows 10 is an easy and valuable way to enhance your ability to organize, identify, and manage your files. By following the steps outlined above, you can display file extensions across your system or on specific files, giving you more control and reducing confusion when dealing with different file formats.

Remember to use file extensions responsibly, as they are an important part of file management and security. With the ability to see file types, you’ll be able to open the right programs and avoid mistakenly modifying or mishandling files.

Key Takeaways:

• File extensions help you identify the type of a file (e.g., .txt, .jpg, .exe).
• You can show file types by changing folder options in File Explorer.
• Changing file extensions requires caution, as it may affect the file’s usability.
• Always ensure the correct program is used to open files based on their type.