Windows show file extensions

Common file name extensions in Windows

Windows file names have two parts separated by a period: first, the file name, and second, a three- or four-character extension that defines the file type. In expenses.xlsx, for example, the first part of the file name is expenses and the extension is xlsx.

Extensions tell your computer which application created or can open the file and which icon to use for the file. For example, the docx extension tells your computer that Microsoft Word can open the file and to display a Word icon when you view it in File Explorer.

Most file name extensions are compatible with more than one program that you have installed. You can change a file name extension, but that won’t convert the file to another format or change anything else about it except the file name. To learn more about how to change which program will open a file, read Change default programs in Windows 10.

If you don’t see file name extensions when you view files in File Explorer:

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type file explorer, and in the search results, select File Explorer.
2. In File Explorer under View, in the Show/hide group, select the File name extensions check box.

Below is a list of common Windows file name extensions and formats.

Windows show file extensions

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• Last Review: Jun 8, 2023
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In order to avoid confusion regarding your saved files, you may want to configure Windows to show all common file extensions, such as .zip. This will help differentiate between different archives (and other files). You may also want to configure Windows to show you hidden files and folders. Both involve using the same Control Panel applet. Here are the steps:

Windows 11

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click the . icon >Options.

3. Click the View tab and, under the «Advanced settings» section, clear the Hide extensions for known file types option.

4. Click the Apply button and then OK.

Windows 10

1. Open File Explorer
2. Click the View tab in File Explorer
3. Click the box next to File name extensions to see file extensions
4. Click the box next to Hidden items to see hidden files
5. Close File Explorer if you wish

Windows 8

1. On the Start menu screen, start typing «Control»
2. When you see Control Panel under Apps, click it
3. If you are in the Category view, click the drop-down menu and choose either Large icons or Small icon
4. Open Folder Options
5. Click on the View tab at the top of the dialog box

• To see file extensions, uncheck Hide file extensions for known file types
• To see hidden files and folders, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives
• Click OK

Windows 7

1. Click Start and open the Control Panel
2. If you are in the Category view, click the drop-down menu and choose either Large icons or Small icons
3. Open Folder Options
4. Click on the View tab at the top of the dialog box

• To see file extensions, uncheck Hide file extensions for known file types
• To see hidden files and folders, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives
• Click OK

View File Extensions (Windows 10)

In order to avoid confusion regarding your saved files, you may want to configure Windows to show all common file extensions, such as .zip. This will help differentiate between different archives (and other files). You may also want to configure Windows to show you hidden files and folders. Both involve using the same Control Panel applet. Here are the steps:

Windows 10:

1. Open File Explorer; if you do not have an icon for this in the task bar; click Start, click Windows System, and then File Explorer.
2. Click the View tab in File Explorer
3. Click the box next to File name extensions to see file extensions
4. Click the box next to Hidden items to see hidden files

Choose files or drag and drop files

How to Show File Name Extensions in Windows Explorer

I do not see the file name extensions when I look at my files in Windows Explorer. How do I turn this on?

Different file types have different extensions. For example, a Lighthouse Studio survey has an extension of .ssi. When data is accumulated into Lighthouse Studio, it creates a database file which has a .db3 extension. When you export data, it is often saved as a .csv extension. There are dozens of different file name extensions that are used by Sawtooth Software products. File extensions help the operating system identify the correct program to open for that particular file. Being able to see these extensions will help you better manage the files.

To show file name extensions in Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

For Windows 8-10

1. Start Windows Explorer, you can do this by opening up any folder.
2. Click the View menu.
3. Check the box next to «File name Extensions»

For Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008

1. Start Windows Explorer, you can do this by opening up any folder.
2. Click Organize.
3. Click Folder and search options.
4. Click the View tab.
5. Scroll down until you notice Hide extensions for known file types, un-check this line by clicking the check box. To hide file name extensions, check this line.
6. Click OK

For Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003

1. Start Windows Explorer, you can do this by opening up any folder.
2. Click Tools, and then click Folder Options.
3. Scroll down and then click Folder and search options.
4. Click the View tab.
5. Scroll down until you notice Hide extensions for known file types, un-check this line by clicking the check box. To hide file name extensions, check this line.
6. Click OK