How to fix Windows 11 File Explorer not showing file extensions

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix Windows 11 File Explorer not showing file extensions. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Windows 11 hides file extensions by default for known file types. This can make it difficult to distinguish between files such as report.pdf and report.pdf.exe, which is a common malware disguise. Restoring file extensions is a quick change that improves clarity and security when managing your documents, images, and other files.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows key + E.
2. Click the View menu in the toolbar at the top of the window.
3. Select Show from the dropdown menu.
4. Click File name extensions to tick the checkbox.
5. File extensions will now appear at the end of every filename.

Detailed Instructions

Method 1: Using the File Explorer View Menu

1. Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
2. In the ribbon toolbar at the top, click the View button. If you do not see the ribbon, click the chevron (⌄) icon at the far right of the toolbar to expand it.
3. Hover over or click Show to open the submenu.
4. Click File name extensions. A tick mark will appear next to the option, indicating it is enabled.
5. Browse to any folder containing files. You should now see extensions such as .docx, .jpg, .pdf, and .exe after each filename.

Method 2: Using Folder Options

1. Open File Explorer and click the three-dot (…) menu in the toolbar.
2. Select Options from the dropdown menu. This opens the Folder Options dialog box.
3. Click the View tab.
4. In the Advanced settings list, scroll down until you find Hide extensions for known file types.
5. Untick the checkbox next to this option.
6. Click Apply, then click OK.
7. Close and reopen any File Explorer windows to see the change take effect.

Method 3: Using Windows Terminal (PowerShell)

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal or Windows PowerShell.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

3. Restart File Explorer by right-clicking the Taskbar and selecting Task Manager, then right-clicking Windows Explorer and choosing Restart.
4. File extensions will now be visible.

Troubleshooting

Extensions still not showing after enabling the setting

• Restart File Explorer: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), find Windows Explorer in the Processes tab, right-click it, and select Restart.
• Restart your computer. Some system policy or group policy settings may require a full reboot to apply.
• Check if your organisation has applied a Group Policy that forces extensions to be hidden. Contact your IT administrator if you are on a managed device.

Only some files show extensions

Windows 11 hides extensions only for known file types. Unknown or uncommon file types will always display their extensions regardless of this setting. After enabling the option, all files should display extensions consistently.

Setting keeps reverting after reboot

• Run a full Windows Update by going to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Some older builds of Windows 11 had bugs where Explorer settings did not persist.
• Check for third-party system cleaning tools that may reset Explorer settings. Disable or adjust these tools if necessary.
• If the issue persists, consider performing a repair installation of Windows 11. See How to Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 11 for guidance on a clean install, or use the Reset this PC option under Settings > System > Recovery for a less destructive repair.

Why Showing File Extensions Matters

File extensions tell Windows and you what type of file you are dealing with. Hiding them creates a security risk: a malicious file named invoice.pdf.exe will appear as invoice.pdf when extensions are hidden, tricking users into opening harmful software. Showing extensions helps you identify genuine file types at a glance and avoid accidental malware execution.

For more Windows 11 tips, see Windows 11 Security Best Practices and Optimizing Windows 11 Performance.

If you continue to experience issues with File Explorer or file extensions after following this guide, please Open a Ticket and our support team will assist you.

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