This tutorial will show you how to show or hide file name extensions for known file types for your account in Windows 11.
File name extensions are the set of characters added to the end of files that identifies the file type or format.
Extensions for known file types are hidden by default in Windows 11.
Contents
- Option One: Show or Hide File Name Extensions for Known File Types from File Explorer Command Bar
- Option Two: Show or Hide File Name Extensions for Known File Types from Folder Options
- Option Three: Show or Hide File Name Extensions for Known File Types in Settings
- Option Four: Show or Hide File Name Extensions for Known File Types using REG file
EXAMPLE: Show and hide file name extensions for known file types
1 Open File Explorer (Win+E).
2 Click/tap on View on the command bar. (see screenshot below)
3 Click/tap on Show.
4 Click/tap on File name extensions to toggle them to show (checked) or hide (unchecked - default).
1 Open Folder Options.
2 Click/tap on the View tab. (see screenshot below)
3 Check (hide - default) or uncheck (show) Hide extensions for known file types under Files and Folders for what you want, and click/tap on OK.
1 Open Settings (Win+I).
2 Click/tap on Privacy & security on the left side, and click/tap on For developers on the right side. (see screenshots below)
Starting with Windows 11 version 22H2 KB5030310 Build 22621.2361, For developers is now in Settings > System.
3 Click/tap on File Explorer to expand it open. (see screenshot below step 4)
4 Turn On (show) or Off (hide - default) Show file extensions for what you want. (see screenshot below)
5 You can now close Settings if you like.
1 Do step 2 (show) or step 3 (hide) below for what you would like to do.
2 Show File Name Extensions for Known File Types
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the REG file below, and go to step 4 below.
Show_extensions_for_known_file_types.reg
Download
(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"HideFileExt"=dword:000000003 Hide File Name Extensions for Known File Types
This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the REG file below, and go to step 4 below.
Hide_extensions_for_known_file_types.reg
Download
(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"HideFileExt"=dword:000000014 Save the .reg file to your desktop.
5 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.
6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.
7 Either refresh (F5) the window or desktop, restart explorer process, sign out and sign in, or restart the computer to apply.
8 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
Last edited:
