How to change file extension in Windows 10, 8, 7 and XP

Want to change the Extension of a file in Windows 10, 7, 8, 8.1 or XP?

Here it is you are looking for.

Step By Step Guide to Change the Extension of a file in Windows 10, 8 and 7:

Change File Extension in Windows 10:

Step 1: Open 'File Explorer' from the start menu, or Open "My Computer" from desktop icon, or just press "Win + E".

Step 2: Click on 'View', the last option in the Menu bar.

Step 3: Now the view options will expand, click on 'Options' the last one in the list.

Step 4: Now a new small window will open, click on 'View' under it (the second option of the menu).

Step 5: Now look for 'Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)' and simply uncheck it.

Step 6: A warning dialog box will appear, click on 'yes'.

Now click on Apply and then OK, and you are done .

See the Image Below:

Now rename any file, and you will be able to see its extension at the end of the file name starting with dot.
When you change any file extension a Warning Dialog Box will appears, "If you change the file extension, the file might become unusable. Are you sure you want to change it?".

Click on yes and you are done. The extension of your file has changed now.

Change File Extension in Windows 8 or 8.1:

Step 1: Open "My Computer" from start menu or use "Win + E"

Step 2: Click on "view" (on the top, in menu bar)

Step 3: Then Click on "Options"

Step 4: A new dialog box will appears, on that click on "view"

Step 5: Find "Hide extensions for known file types" and simply uncheck it.

After that "Apply" then "OK".

See the Image Below:

Now rename any file, you will able to see the file extension starting with (dot) at the end of every file name. Change the file extension as per your need.

When you change any file extension a Warning Dialog Box will appears, "If you change the file extension, the file might become unusable. Are you sure you want to change it?".

Click on yes and you are done. The extension of the file has changed now.

Change File Extension in Windows 7:

Step 1: Open "My Computer" from the 'Start Menu' or use "Win + E".

Step 2: Click on "Organize" (on the top left, below menu bar).

Step 3: Then click on "Folder and search options" under it.

Step 4: A new dialog box will appears, click on “view” on that.

Step 5: Find "Hide extensions for known file types" and simply uncheck it.

After that 'Apply' then 'OK'.


See the Image Below:

Now rename any file, you will able to see the file extension starting with (dot) at the end of every file name. Change the file extension as per your need.

When you change any file extension a Warning Dialog Box will appears, "If you change the file extension, the file might become unusable. Are you sure you want to change it?".

Click on yes and you are done. The extension of your file has changed now.

Change File Extension in Windows XP:

Step 1: Open "My Computer" from start menu or use "Win + E"

Step 2: Click on "tools" (On the Top, in the menu bar) then "Folder Options"

Step 3: A new dialog box will appears, click on "view".

Step 4: Find "Hide extensions for known file types" and uncheck it.

After that 'Apply' then 'OK'.

See the Image Below:

Now rename any file, you will able to see the file extension starting with (dot) at the end of every file name. Change the file extension as per your need.

When you change any file extension a Warning Dialog Box will appears.

Click on yes and you are done. The file extension has changed now.

How was this Guide, please leave a comment. If you experience any problems, feel free to ask us.