How to change file extension Windows 11?

How to change file extension Windows 11? - Mad Penguin (2024)

By MadPenguin / November 22, 2024

Changing File Extensions in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Windows 11 is a powerful operating system that allows users to easily manage and organize their files. One of the most common tasks users perform is changing the file extension of a file. This process is essential for maintaining the integrity of the file system and ensuring that files are easily identifiable. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing file extensions in Windows 11.

Why Change File Extensions?

Step 1: Open File Explorer

To change file extensions, you need to open File Explorer. You can do this by:

Pressing the Windows key + E: This will open File Explorer.
Clicking on the Start button: Click on the Start button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Searching for File Explorer: Type "File Explorer" in the search bar and press Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to the File you want to Change

Once File Explorer is open, navigate to the file you want to change the extension for. You can do this by:

Clicking on the file: Click on the file you want to change the extension for.
Right-clicking on the file: Right-click on the file and select "Properties" from the context menu.

Step 3: Click on the "General" Tab

In the Properties window, click on the "General" tab. This tab contains several important settings that you can modify to change the file extension.

Click on the "File type" dropdown menu: Click on the "File type" dropdown menu and select "All Files" from the list.
Check the box next to "Hidden file names": Check the box next to "Hidden file names" to ensure that file extensions are not hidden from view.

Step 4: Click on the "Change" Button

Once you’ve modified the "File type" dropdown menu and checked the box next to "Hidden file names", click on the "Change" button.

Click on the "Change file extension" button: Click on the "Change file extension" button to change the file extension.

Step 5: Enter the New File Extension

In the "Change file extension" window, enter the new file extension you want to assign to the file. You can do this by:

typing the extension in the "New file extension" field: Type the new file extension in the "New file extension" field.
Click on the "OK" button: Click on the "OK" button to save the changes.

Step 6: Verify the Changes

To verify that the changes have been made, click on the "OK" button again.

Click on the "OK" button: Click on the "OK" button to save the changes.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you change file extensions in Windows 11:

Use the "File type" dropdown menu: The "File type" dropdown menu is a powerful tool that allows you to change file extensions quickly and easily.
Use the "Hidden file names" checkbox: The "Hidden file names" checkbox is a useful feature that allows you to hide file extensions from view.
Use the "Change file extension" button: The "Change file extension" button is a convenient way to change file extensions without having to navigate to the "General" tab.

Common File Extensions

Here are some common file extensions that you may encounter:

.txt: Text files
.docx: Word documents
.jpg: JPEG images
.mp3: MP3 audio files
.pdf: PDF documents

Conclusion

Changing file extensions in Windows 11 is a simple process that can help you maintain the integrity of your file system and ensure that files are easily identifiable. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily change file extensions in Windows 11. Remember to use the "File type" dropdown menu, "Hidden file names" checkbox, and "Change file extension" button to make the process as easy as possible.