How to show or hide file name extensions in Windows Explorer

A file name extension is a set of characters added to the end of a file name that determine which program should open it. By default, Windows Explorer hides file name extensions in Windows 7 and earlier versions of Windows. However, you can make file name extensions visible. This article describes how to show or hide file name extensions in Windows Explorer. The article also provides an automatic solution that can be used in all Windows platform to show file name extensions.

To have us show file name extensions in Windows Explorer for you, go to the "Fix it for me" section. If you prefer to fix this problem yourself, go to the "Let me fix it myself" section.

Fix it for me

To fix this problem automatically, click the Fix it button or link. Click Run in the File Download dialog box, and then follow the steps in the Fix it wizard.


Notes

• If you want to hide file name extensions in Windows Explorer after you run this fix it package, you must follow the steps that are described in this article manually.
• This wizard may be in English only. However, the automatic fix also works for other language versions of Windows.
• If you are not using the computer that has the problem, save the Fix it solution to a flash drive or a CD and then run it on the computer that has the problem.

Then, go to the "Did this fix the problem?" section.

Let me fix it myself

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

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.
   Note 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.
   
   Note To hide file name extensions, check this line.
   
6. Click OK

Did this fix the problem?

• Check whether the problem is fixed. If the problem is fixed, you are finished with this section. If the problem is not fixed, you can contact support.
• We would appreciate your feedback. To provide feedback or to report any issues with this solution, please leave a comment on the "Fix it for me" blog or send us an email.

For more information about frequently asked questions related to file names and file name extensions, visit the following Microsoft website: