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For whatever reason, the folks at Microsoft must have decided it’s a good idea to hide file extensions when using the File Explorer dialog in Windows 11.
I really don’t understand the thinking behind keeping file extensions hidden since they’re so useful for quickly determining a file’s type when viewing its filename.
Seeing a file’s extension can provide an important clue about which app you’ll need to use in order to open it, and there are other reasons as well. Here’s a great example (and it’s an important one).
Luckily, it’s very easy to force Windows 11 to display the files’ extensions when you view their names in File Explorer. Here’s how:
1 – Press the Windows+E key combination to launch File Explorer.
2 – Click the three dots on the right-hand side of the top menu bar.
3 – Click Options.
4 – Select the View tab.
5 – Uncheck the box beside Hide extensions for known file types.
6 – Click Apply, then click Ok.
That’s all there is to it. From now on all of the filenames listed in File Explorer will include their file extensions.
Bonus tip: Want to learn all about the ins-and-outs of Windows 11? Check this out. (#ad)