By default, File Explorer will hide extensions for known file types, however, there are multiple ways one can show them or hide them if they don’t want to see extensions for files. A file extension is typically three or four letters in a file name after the period, indicating the file type. File name extension is how Windows identify files and recommend the correct program to use to open and view the files. It can also help users identify the type of files and programs to use with them. Below is how to show or hide the extensions of files in Windows 11.
How to hide or unhide file extensions in Windows 11
As mentioned above, File Explorer will hide extensions for known file types, however, there are multiple ways one can show them or hide them if they don’t want to see extensions for files. Below is how to unhide or hide file extensions in Windows 11. First, open File Explorer on Windows 11. You can use the Windows key + E shortcut to open File Explorer. Once opened, click the View menu button in the command bar. Next, Select the Show submenu and choose the “File name extensions” command on the context menu as highlighted below. A check mark indicates file extensions are shown. No check mark indicates no file extensions are shown. Alternatively, open File Explorer and select View (ellipses) on the menu to expand, then select Options. On the Folder Options window, under View -> Advanced settings, check the box next to “Hide extensions for known file types” to hide extensions. To show an extension, simply uncheck the box. That should do it! Conclusion: This post showed you how to show or hide extensions for known file types in Windows 11. If you find any error above or have something to add, please use the comment form below.
