Hidden file extensions leave you without the filename ending that identifies a file’s type. The quickest fix is a menu change in File Explorer. Here’s how to turn extensions on, plus the Folder Options and Settings controls for the same preference.
Show file extensions in File Explorer
Press Windows+E to open File Explorer.
Select View at the top of the window.
Open Show.
Select File name extensions if it is unchecked. Leave it checked to keep extensions visible.
This control is built into Windows 11, so no download is needed. You can also change the extension preference through Folder Options or Settings.
If extensions still don’t appear, try the Folder Options checkbox below.
If extensions stay hidden, use Folder Options
This turns off the setting that hides extensions for known file types.
Folder Options is available in Windows 11 Home and Pro. Although the dialog has an older appearance, it still provides the extension visibility control in Windows 11.
In File Explorer, select See more (...).
Choose Options.
Switch to the View tab.
Under Advanced settings, clear Hide extensions for known file types.
The checkbox describes hiding extensions, so leave it cleared to show them. In the File Explorer menu, the extension display option instead needs to be checked.
Select Apply.
Select OK to finish.
Find the setting in your Windows layout
An earlier Windows 11 Settings layout puts this control under For developers, explaining why the newer Advanced path doesn’t match PCs retaining that layout.
Windows 11 version 24H2 installations may retain the earlier layout. Use the path that matches the page available on your PC.
On Windows 11 version 25H2 and later, open Settings.
Select System.
Open Advanced.
Expand File Explorer.
Set Show file extensions to On.
For the earlier layout, start by opening Settings.
Select System.
Open For developers.
Expand File Explorer.
Set Show file extensions to On.
On a managed device, access to these settings may be restricted. Organization-managed preferences can also reapply during policy refresh, causing a personal change to revert.
Use your keyboard to change the option
Press Windows+E to open File Explorer.
Press Alt to move focus to the command bar buttons, then use the Left and Right arrow keys to reach View.
Press Enter to open that menu.
Use the arrow keys to reach Show.
Press Enter to open its menu.
Use the arrow keys to reach File name extensions.
Press Enter to enable the option if it is unchecked.
Microsoft documents these File Explorer keyboard controls and standard navigation keys for reaching the extension control.
You can also operate the Folder Options checkbox with your keyboard. Use Tab or Shift+Tab to move among the controls, and the arrow keys to move within the Advanced settings list, until Hide extensions for known file types has focus.
Press Spacebar to clear the checkbox if it is selected.
Move to OK and activate it to finish applying the preference.
What showing extensions changes
Showing an extension makes it visible in the filename. It does not convert the file to another format.
Hidden items is a separate setting. Use File name extensions to display filename endings.
This preference controls extension visibility in File Explorer. It does not guarantee the same filename display in third-party file managers or individual apps.
Windows Backup can preserve the extension preference when you use a Microsoft account. Enable extensions first, because backing up the preference does not itself turn extension visibility on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I show file extensions in Windows 11 Home?
Yes. Folder Options works in Windows 11 Home and Pro. Microsoft specifies no edition restriction for the File Explorer File name extensions toggle.
Do I need to download anything to show file extensions?
No. File Explorer, Folder Options, and Settings provide built-in controls.
Can Windows Backup preserve my file extension preference?
Yes, with a Microsoft account. Enable extensions first. Open Settings > Accounts > Windows backup > Remember my preferences. Include Other Windows settings. This backs up the existing preference; it does not turn extension visibility on.
Why is the setting restricted or reverting on my work PC?
Managed devices support restrictions on these settings, and organization-managed preferences can reapply during policy refresh. Contact your IT team if the control is restricted or your change keeps reverting.