See file extensions in windows explorer

Show and hide file extensions in Windows Even in the latest version of Windows operating system - Windows 10 , the file extensions of known file types that are associated with some software installed in your computer, are still hidden by default.

This is due to Microsoft's policy which makes it somewhat easier for common users, but at the same time may also be potentially dangerous due security reasons. Microsoft prefers simplicity over security, which unfortunately means that dangerous and harmful files can be hidden under wrong file type and users does not have fully under control what they opens. More advanced users of Windows 10 who want to keep their files and data under control can turn off "Hide extensions for known file types" File Explorer feature.

Hide and show file extensions in Windows Another way how to view file extensions in Microsoft Windows 10 , but little more complex is:. Control Panel option in Windows Also, it gives a slightly cleaner look to File Explorer.

At the same time, hiding file extensions imposes some security risks, as someone may want to harm your system by sending a malicious file disguised as a Word document, image, video, or any other harmless object. Remember: Never open a file that appears to have a regular extension paired with exe, msi, or dll, For example, NotVirus. Windows 10 had the " Show file extensions " command on the ribbon in File Explorer.

That option could be used for enabling or hiding extensions with just two clicks. In Windows 11, though, File Explorer went through radical design changes. The ribbon has gone, and it took away many convenient options that now are buried deep inside different Windows settings and Control Panel applets. If you want to hide file extensions in Windows 11 and restore defaults, repeat the process above and check the " Hide extensions for known file types " option.

Now, if you open a folder in File Explorer, or refresh your Desktop, the files won't have extensions shown. However, for specific files File Explorer always hides extensions. And for some of them, it makes them always visible, regardless of the user option reviewed above. For example, you may already noticed that the DLL file extension is always visible.

The standard option to show or hide file extensions in Windows 11 does not allow specifying exclusions. You may want to hide all extensions but exe and msi.

Here is how to enable certain file extensions in Windows Similar to the previous section of this article, you can set Windows 11 to show all file extensions except one or several. Repeat all the steps except 5. After you restart File Explorer or the entire system, Windows will be showing all file extensions except those with the NeverShowExt keys in the registry with the file extensions enabled in File Explorer.

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