How to Hide or Show File Name Extensions in Windows 10
A file name extension is a set of characters added to the end of a file name that determine which app should open it. By default, File Explorer hides file name extensions in Windows 10. However, you can make file name extensions visible.
This tutorial will show you how to hide or show known file name extensions for your account in Windows 10.
Contents
- Option One: To Hide or Show File Name Extensions using File Explorer Ribbon
- Option Two: To Hide or Show File Name Extensions using File Explorer Options
- Option Three: To Hide or Show File Name Extensions using a VBS file
EXAMPLE: File name extension
1 Open File Explorer (Win+E).
2 Click/tap on the View tab, and check (show) or uncheck (hide - default) File name extensions in the ribbon for what you want. (see screenshot below)
1 Open File Explorer Options.
2 Click/tap on the View tab, check (default) or uncheck Hide extensions for known file types for what you want, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
The downloadable .vbs files below modify the DWORD value in the registry key below, then sends a refresh (F5) command to apply.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
HideFileExt DWORD
0 = Show
1 = Hide
1 Do step 2 (hide) or step 3 (show) below for what you want.
This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Hide_Known_Extensions_for_File_Types.vbs
Download
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Show_Known_Extensions_for_File_Types.vbs
Download
4 Save the .vbs file to your desktop.
5 Unblock the .vbs file.
6 Run the .vbs file to apply.
That's it,
Shawn
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