Show or hide file extensions

A file name extension is a set of characters added to the end of a file name that determine which program should open it. Follow these steps to choose whether Windows displays these file extensions.

1. Open Folder Options by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, and then clicking Folder Options.

2. Click the View tab, and then, under Advanced settings, do one of the following:

   • To hide file extensions, select the Hide extensions for known file types check box, and then click OK.

   • To display file extensions, clear the Hide extensions for known file types check box, and then click OK