How to Change a File Extension in Windows

Sometimes, changing a file extension is necessary to open it in a specific program or to perform certain functions. In Windows, this can be done quickly in just a few steps. Follow this guide to easily master the process of modifying file extensions.

Step 1: Enabling File Extension Display

By default, Windows hides extensions of known file types, which can make them difficult to change. To display file extensions, follow these steps:

  1. Open any Windows Explorer window (such as "Documents" or "This PC").
  2. Go to the "View" tab in the top menu.
  3. Locate and check the box next to "File name extensions".

Now you will see file extensions displayed alongside their names, such as .txt, .jpg, .exe, etc.

Step 2: Changing the File Extension

Now that file extensions are visible, you can proceed with changing them:

  1. Locate the file you want to change.
  2. Right-click on its name and select "Rename" (or simply press F2).
  3. Change the text after the dot (the extension) to the desired one. For example, if the file has a .txt extension and you need to change it to .html, replace .txt with .html.
  4. Press Enter to confirm the change.
  5. Windows may warn you that changing the extension could make the file unusable. Confirm the change if you are sure.

Step 3: Testing the File

After changing the extension, open the file to ensure it works correctly in the intended program. If you encounter issues, you can always revert to the original extension by following the same steps.

Helpful Tips

  • Be cautious when changing extensions: altering system files or program files may cause them to function improperly.
  • Create a backup copy of the file before changing the extension to avoid data loss.
  • If you need to change extensions for multiple files at once, consider using the Command Prompt or specialized batch renaming tools.

With this guide, you can easily change file extensions in Windows to suit your specific needs. Good luck!