How to Show or Hide File Extensions on Windows Computers

File extension is a suffix to the computer file name right after the (.) period which indicates the format of the file and the associated application that can open it. Sometimes it is helpful to show the file extensions especially if you need to rename them to a different extension.

Here is how to show or hide the file extensions on Windows computers.

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Open a windows explorer by double clicking on "My Computer" if you are using XP. If you are using Vista, just go to "Start" then click "Computer". You can also press "Windows logo" + E on your keyboard to open windows explorer using any Windows operating system.

2. Step 2
   
   Windows Explorer

   For Vista: Click "Organize" from the menu and choose "Folder and Search Options" from the drop down list.
   
   For XP: Go to Tools menu and choose Folder Options from the drop down list.

3. Step 3
   
   Folder Options

   On the Folder Options, click the "View" tab.

4. Step 4
   
   Advanced Settings

   From the Advanced Settings, check the box that says "Hide extensions for known file types".

5. Step 5
   
   Show File Extensions

   Click "OK" and all your file extensions are now visible. If you want to hide the extensions again, just go back to Folder Options and uncheck the "Hide extensions for known file types".