By default, the Windows 11 operating system hides extensions for known file types. As a result you may not be able to recognise some file types or formats. Hiding file extensions in Windows 11 prevents unintentional breaking files by accidentally changing their extensions when you rename them. But at the same time, it may cause confusion and bring potential security risk. Today, I will show you different methods to show file extensions in Windows 11.
Show file name extension in File Explorer
Open File Explorer on your PC, click View from the top menu bar to expand the drop-down menu and select Show from there. You will then see the sub-menu, choose File name extensions from this list.
Display file name extensions from Folder Options
Also in File Explorer, click the See More (…) button to display the drop-down menu and choose Options from there. The Folder Options opens in a new window. Switch from the General tab to the View tab. Find and disable the Hide extensions for known file types option, click Apply button to save the change.
Show file extension of a specific file in Windows 11
To view file extension of a selected file in Windows 11, you can actually view its file type and file name extension from its Properties. In File Explorer, browse to the file, right-click on it and select Properties from the context menu to access the properties of the selected file. The General tab of the Properties dialog box will provide you the file type and extension along with other information such as the full path to the file , its size, created/modified date, and so on.