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“Hide file extensions” means that a file manager omits the ending of a filename—such as .pdf or .docx—from view. It does not remove that ending, change the file’s format, or hide the file itself. You can show extensions in File Explorer on Windows or in Finder on a Mac.
What does “hide file extensions” mean?
A filename extension is the part after the final period, such as .pdf, .jpg, or .docx. Extensions help identify a file type and the applications that can open it. When extensions are hidden, a file named report.docx may appear simply as report.
The setting changes how the file manager displays the name; it does not delete the extension or convert the file. Renaming a file’s extension is not a way to change its format. Microsoft explains both the purpose of extensions and the rename limitation in its Windows file extension guide.
How to show or hide extensions in Windows
Windows 11
- Open File Explorer.
- Select View > Show > File name extensions. Select the option to show extensions; clear it to hide them.
Windows 10
Microsoft’s current support guidance also points Windows 10 users to File Explorer’s View > Show > File name extensions control. In some Windows 10 layouts, the setting is under View > Options > Change folder and search options > View; clear Hide extensions for known file types to display them. The wording “known file types” is the older Folder Options label. See Microsoft’s instructions and examples and its File Explorer help.
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File name extensions and Hidden items are separate File Explorer controls. Turning off extension display does not hide files or folders.
How to show or hide extensions on a Mac
Show extensions for most filenames
- In Finder, choose Finder > Settings (called Preferences in some older macOS versions).
- Select Advanced.
- Select Show all filename extensions to display them broadly, or clear it to let individual files’ settings determine whether their extensions appear.
Apple notes that the global setting affects most, but not all, filenames. See Apple’s instructions for showing or hiding filename extensions and its guide to changing Finder settings.
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Change the setting for one file
- Select the file in Finder and choose File > Get Info, or press Command-I.
- Expand Name & Extension.
- Select or clear Hide extension.
The global and per-file settings interact: with Show all filename extensions selected, Finder displays extensions even for files individually set to hide them. When the global option is off, each file’s individual setting applies. Apple says that macOS continues to open files with the appropriate applications when extensions are hidden.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhy might an extension still be hidden?
First check that you changed the setting for the file manager and operating system you are using. On a Mac, the global Finder option can override a file’s individual hide setting. Apple also says that its global preference affects most, not every, filename, so an exception does not necessarily mean the setting failed.
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If one item remains extension-hidden in Windows, its behavior can depend on the file class and Windows version. Historical Windows XP guidance and user-contributed Microsoft Q&A discussions describe exceptions, but they do not establish a general rule for Windows 11. Avoid treating those older or forum-specific cases as current Windows behavior.
Does showing extensions make files safer?
Showing extensions lets you see more of a filename, which can help you identify the file type being presented. It is not a guarantee that a file is safe. The extension identifies a type or associated application; it does not verify a file’s contents or trustworthiness.
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Should you change an extension to convert a file?
No. Changing a filename from, for example, document.txt to document.pdf does not convert the contents into a PDF. Use the application that created the file, or another suitable application, to export or save it in a different format. Apple warns that changing an extension while renaming may prevent the file from opening with the app that created it; Microsoft likewise says renaming an extension does not convert the file.
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