Showing file extensions in Windows 11 isn’t a big deal in theory, but in practice, it can be kinda maddening—especially if you rely on quickly identifying file types. The default setup hides extensions to keep things looking clean, but that also means you’re sometimes clueless whether a file is a .pdf or a malicious .exe without opening it first. If you’ve ever opened what turned out to be malware because you couldn’t tell, then this little trick is crucial. It’s pretty straightforward, but sometimes, Windows decisions are just… odd, and the setting doesn’t stick or hides again after updates. So, if you want to avoid surprises—plus, better manage your files—here’s how to get the extensions to show up reliably.
How to Show File Extensions in Windows 11
Accessing the settings manually through File Explorer
This method helps because it’s quick, no fuss, and gets you straight to the point. The reason it works is that Windows hides this setting under the View menu, and toggling it on makes all file extensions visible. On some setups, it’s weird—sometimes the setting sticks after a reboot, other times not. So, it’s good to double-check after you’ve changed it.
- Open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon in your taskbar or just press Windows + E.
- On the top, click on the View menu.
- Hover over or click Show. Sometimes, this menu is a dropdown or a sidebar—depends on your version and theme.
- Click on File name extensions—becomes a checkmark, and boom, extensions pop up.
Once actually done, glance through a few files and see if their extensions are now visible. Some people note that after a reboot, the setting resets—try toggling it again if that happens. Also, on some Windows 11 builds, there’s a chance this doesn’t “stick” unless you do it in a specific way, like via Folder Options—more on that next.
Use Folder Options for a more persistent fix
If toggling through the View menu isn’t cutting it, or if extensions keep hiding themselves after updates, try the classic Folder Options way. It’s kinda buried, but it’s more reliable. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the three dots in the toolbar and select Options. Or go to See more (the three dots) > Options.
- In the Folder Options window, switch to the View tab.
- Scroll down to Hide extensions for known file types.
- Uncheck it. This is the real gem—this setting is the root cause of your extensions hiding again and again.
- Hit Apply and OK.
This method is usually more stubborn and sticks through reboots. On some machines, both ways might be necessary, just to be safe. Also, it’s good to keep poking around in Settings > Privacy & Security > For Developers or File Explorer options in case Windows ever messes with things after updates.
Why does this help? Why bother?
Being able to see file extensions immediately prevents accidental opening of dangerous files, especially when download sites are sketchy. Plus, it makes organizing files much easier—no more guessing if that icon is a Word doc or a hidden executable. It’s wild how much trouble Windows causes by hiding those, but once it’s set, you’re usually good until the next update shuffles things around. Honestly, it’s one of those small but impactful tweaks that saves time and headaches—trust me, it’s worth fussing over the first time or two.
Because of course, Windows has to make it more complicated than it should be, especially for casual users. Sometimes, even after changing the setting, it refuses to show extensions until you reboot or restart Windows Explorer. So, be prepared to do a quick restart of Windows Explorer via Task Manager if needed. Right-click the taskbar, choose Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, right-click, then hit Restart. That usually kicks the setting into place.
And hey—if you want a one-stop solution or a more automated approach, there are some scripts or third-party tools like Winhance that can tweak Explorer settings en masse. Not always necessary, but decent if you’re managing multiple machines or want persistent tweaks without fuss.
So yeah, all in all, toggling the setting in Folder Options or via the View menu does the trick most of the time. Just remember that sometimes, Windows needs a little nudge, like a restart or a tweak in the registry, to keep the show going. It’s a bit of a pain, but once you get it, files are way easier to handle.
Summary
- Open File Explorer with Windows + E.
- Go to View menu or Folder Options.
- Enable File name extensions.
- If it keeps hiding, try unchecking Hide extensions for known file types in Folder Options.
- Remember, sometimes Explorer needs a restart to apply changes.
Wrap-up
Making sure file extensions show up in Windows 11 helps cut down on mistakes and makes file management a lot clearer. It’s not the most glamorous tweak, but it’s one of those small wins that can save a whole lot of hassle. If the setting stubbornly refuses to stay after updates, just revisit the Folder Options or try restarting Explorer. And yeah, a quick reboot after toggling never hurts—Windows loves to be weird. Fingers crossed this helps someone cut through the clutter and identify files faster!