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Introduction

A file extension helps your computer know what program is associated with a specific file. For example, a Microsoft Word document has a ".doc" extension. An Excel workbook has a ".xls" extension. By default, Windows doesn't show these extensions when browsing the files in My Computer.

This How-To Article shows you how to display file extensions.

Show File Extensions

1. Double-click the My Computer icon from the Desktop.

2. Click the Tools menu and select "Folder Options..." from the menu that appears.

3. Click the View tab.

4. Uncheck the "Hide file extensions for known file types" check box. (To uncheck a check box, just click it.)

5. Click OK.

Tip: You can set or remove this setting for each individual folder.

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