iSumsoft» Windows Tips » Show or Hide Files Name Extension in Windows 10

3 Ways to Show or Hide Files Name Extension in Windows 10

Isabella Shinn
Isabella Shinn

Updated:

A file name extension is a set of characters added to the end of a file name that identifies the file type or format. By default, File Explorer hides file name extensions in Windows 10. However, you can make file name extensions visible, this article describes 3 ways to show or hide file name extension in Windows 10.


Option 1: To Show or Hide File Name Extensions in File Explorer Ribbon.

Step 1: Press shortcut key: Win + E to open File Explorer.

Step 2: On View tab, check File name extensions in the ribbon, it will reveal all hidden file name extensions.

Chenk file name extensions box

Tip 1: To hide the file name extensions, uncheck the checkbox which next to File name extensions.

Uncheck file name extensions option

Option 2: To Show or Hide File Name Extensions in File Explorer Option

Step 1: Access to Control Panel.

Step 2: Click Appearance and Personalization > File Explorer Options.

Step 3: Click the View tab, then click the Hide extensions for known file types option in Advanced settings. To show file name extensions, uncheck this check box. Finally, click Apply and OK to apply the settings.

Show file name extensions in File Explore Option

Tip 2: To hide file name extensions, select the Hide extensions for known file types checkbox.

Option 3: To Show or Hide File Name Extensions in Registry Editor

You can change registration value data in Registry Editor to make it show or hide your file name extensions.

Step 1: Open Registry Editor.

Run regedit

Step 2: Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.

Step 3: On the right-side pane of Advanced key, double-click on HideFileExt to modify its data value.

Modify the value of HidFileExt

Step 4: To show the hidden files name extension, set its value to "0".

Show hidden file name extensions in registry

Tip 3: If you want to hide all files name extensions, set the value data as ''1''.

Hide the file name extensions

Use the same methods as above, but this time, select "Show hidden files and folders", you can show or hide all files and folders in Windows 10.