How to Show or Hide File Extensions in Windows 7, 8, 8.1 or 10

In Windows, you often view the files with only their names and not with their file extensions or file types. The extension of the file is hard to know when it is hidden. This causes many misunderstandings and sometimes this could cause some malicious files go unnoticed. Here, we are going to show you hot to view file extensions in Windows. This applies to most Windows operating systems. We will explain how to do this step by step for Windows 7, 8, 8.1 or 10 separately. These methods do not differ much from each other.

Showing File Extensions can help you to change the file extension names anytime you find them. It also helps in identifying the file type while working and also stay safe while getting or accessing new files. Follow the steps below to show or hide file extensions.

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How to Show or Hide File Extensions in Windows 7

1. From your Windows desktop, press Winkey to open up the Start menu.
2. Search for "Folder Options". You can just type that text in.
3. Open the Folder Options dialog box.
4. Go to the "View" tab. Under Files and Folders, you will find "Hide extensions for known file types".
5. Uncheck that checkbox.
6. Press the OK button.
7. This will now show all the file extensions in Windows explorer. Simply check that box to reverse the process.

How to Show or Hide File Extensions in Windows 8, 8.1 and Windows 10

1. Press the Winkey to open the Start screen.
2. Type in the text "Folder Options". In Windows 8 or 8.1, you need to select "Settings" on the right side of the search results screen.
3. You will find the Folder Options or Folder Explorer Options depending upon your Windows on the left side. It just shows up in the search box if you are on Windows 10.
4. Open the Folder Options/Folder Explorer Options.
5. Go to the "View" tab. Under the Files and Folders in Advanced settings, you will find "Hide extensions for known file types".
6. Uncheck that checkbox.
7. Press OK button to exit.
8. This will now show all the file extensions in Windows explorer. Simply check that box to reverse the process.

That's it. You have now made file extensions appear in Windows explorer. This will now make things easier and a bit safer when you handle new files in your computer. That is the trick to show or hide file extensions in Windows 7, 8, 8.1 or Windows 10. Hope this helped. Drop a comment below and share if it did. Stay tuned for more tech guides!