How to Enable File Extension Display in Windows 11: Complete and Updated Guide

One of the changes Microsoft has introduced in the latest versions of Windows, and one that may confuse those who have been using this operating system for years, is the management of file extensions. While in previous editions it was relatively easy to find the option to show or not the file extensionsIn Windows 11, the location of this setting has changed, which has caused some confusion among users.

This is not a mere design whim: The way Windows displays or hides file endings directly affects your control over the files on your computer.If you don't see the extension, you could open files with the wrong program or even fall prey to dangerous files disguised as deceptive icons. That's why it's more important than ever to know how to enable the display of file extensions in Windows 11..

What are file extensions and why are they essential?

Before getting into the nitty-gritty, it's helpful to understand exactly what extensions are and their importance in the Windows ecosystem. A file extension is the string of characters that follows the period after the file name.as the .txt, . Docx, .jpg o .mp3It is usually composed of three or four letters, although in some cases it may vary.

The main function of an extension is tell Windows what type of content the file contains and, consequently, which program to use to open itFor example, if it's a file named "report.docx," Windows knows to use Microsoft Word to open it. If it's "vacationphoto.jpg," the operating system will launch the default photo app or image viewer.

For most users, having associated programs open files automatically is sufficient. But in many cases, you need to know exactly what type of file you're dealing with. For example, There are very similar extensions that can confuse you, such as .doc and .docx, Extensions that can pose a security risk if they are not what they seem, as could happen with a file "report.pdf.exe" that at first glance looks like a PDF document but is actually an executable (and potentially dangerous).

Advantages of enabling extension visualizations in Windows 11

• Avoid confusions: : At a glance, differentiate between very similar files by name or icon.
• Risk prevention: Identifies potentially malicious files or executables hidden under misleading names.
• Efficient management: Makes it easy to rename, convert, and organize files, especially if you work with many different types of documents.
• Change of program association: Knowing the extension allows you to choose which application you want to open each file with.

How to Show File Extensions in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Microsoft has redesigned part of its File Explorer interface in Windows 11. For those who were very used to previous versions, this means looking for some menus in new places. Below are the Easier and safer ways to enable file extension viewing so that they are always visible in your system:

Quick method from File Explorer

• Open the File Browser from the taskbar (the folder icon) or by pressing the combination Windows + E.
• Click on the tab View that appears at the top of the window.
• Drop down the menu and select the option Show.
• Check the box File name extensions. With this, all extensions become visible for all files, not just unknown ones.

Advanced option via folder options

If you'd like to fine-tune your settings further or want to ensure your preference applies system-wide, you can do so from Folder Options:

• In File Explorer, click the three horizontal points from the top to display more options.
• Choose Options on the menu.
• In the pop-up window, go to the tab View.
• Within the Advanced Settings list, look for the option Hide file extensions for known file types y uncheck it.
• press Apply & AFTER Accept. Extensions will now appear on all files that were previously hidden.
• If you want to apply this setting to all folders on your system, click the button Apply to folders.

Advanced Options: Customize the display of extensions

Windows 11 allows certain degree of customization For advanced users. If you're only interested in viewing extensions for certain file types, you can manage associated programs and modify the settings as needed.

Show extensions only for certain file types

• Locate the file whose extension you want to view in File Explorer.
• Click on the three dots on the top bar and select Options.
• In the Folder Options window, go to the tab View and check the list of Advanced settings.
• Uncheck the box Hide file extensions for known file types only if you want all files to display the extension. If you leave it enabled, you will only see the extension of files that Windows considers unknown or unassociated..

Modify the Windows Registry for full control

There is an even more advanced method, aimed at experienced users who want to apply the configuration globally or in corporate environments. use the Windows Registry Editor, although you should always act with caution, as an improper change can negatively affect the system.

• press Windows + R to open the Run box.
• Write regedit and hit Enter.
• Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Advanced.
• look for the entrance HideFileExt in the right pane.
• Double click on it and set the value to 0 to always display extensions. If you set it to 1, they'll be hidden again.
• Close Registry Editor and restart Explorer or your system for the changes to take effect.

What types of file extensions are there?

In Windows 11, Files can have an infinite number of extensions, each associated with a content type and a default program. Below, we've listed some of the most common ones so you can recognize them when you see them on your computer:

• .txt: Plain text file (Notepad, WordPad…)
• .doc y . Docx: Microsoft Word documents
• . Xlsx: Excel spreadsheets
• . Pptx: PowerPoint Presentations
• .jpg, . Jpeg, . Png, .bmp: Images and photographs
• .mp3, .wav, .aac: Audio files
• .mp4, .avi, .mov: Videos
• . Pdf: Adobe Portable Document Format
• .exe: Executable files (programs)
• .zip, .rar, . Cab: Compressed and archivers
• . Dll: System shared libraries
• .html, . Htm: Web pages
• . Beat: Batch Scripts
• . Iso: Disk images
• . Csv: Data tabulated by commas

And so, a very long list that covers everything from design files, audio, executables, configurations, images, and much more. Visualizing the extension is key to knowing for sure what you are handling.

How to change the default program to open certain files?

Sometimes, just seeing the extension is not enough; You may want a specific file type to always open with your favorite program.For example, .jpg files might not open with the Windows Photos app, but with your usual photo editor. The process is simple:

• Open the menu Home and click on Configuration.
• Access the section Applications and select Default applications.
• Go down until you find Choose default apps by file type.
• Find the extension in question and select the program you want to use by default.

File Explorer in Windows 11: Key New Features

Windows 11 has renewed the File Browser to offer clearer and more efficient navigation. Among the most notable new features affecting file management and, therefore, the display of file extensions, are:

• Tabs: You can manage multiple open folders at once in browser-like windows, making it easier to work with different files simultaneously.
• Quick access: Frequently used folders and recent files are brought to the front for quicker access.
• Simplified context menu: Right-clicking on a file gives you direct access to common actions, such as copying, renaming, sharing, or deleting.
• Personalization.: You can pin the folders you use most to the Quick access to always have them at hand.

These improvements make file management in Windows 11 more visual, organized, and intuitive. Enabling extension display integrates seamlessly with this new philosophy.

Common mistakes and safety recommendations

Something to keep in mind is that Hiding extensions can make you more vulnerable to scams., such as executable files disguised as harmless documents. Therefore, enabling the display is one of the first recommended steps after installing Windows 11.

However, you should be careful when modifying certain files if you are unsure of their actual extension. Improperly renaming an extension can cause the file to stop working or to open with the wrong program.For example, if you change the extension of a “.jpg” file to “.txt,” the file may not display correctly.

Enable the display of file extensions One of those actions that make a difference in your daily life with the computerBy following the suggested methods, you'll be able to easily customize file opening and maintain greater control over your system.

Keeping this option enabled not only helps with organization, but also improves your digital security: you will be able to quickly detect suspicious or strange files that, otherwise, could go unnoticed.