Hide extensions for known file types in Windows Vista

Posted on October 9, 2008 at 5:47 am

Most of the time when browsing files and folders on my computer using Windows Explorer, I know what kind of file I am looking at or opening because of the Type column in Explorer. By default, file extensions are hidden in Windows XP and Vista.

However, sometimes your settings can be changed by a third-party utility and when viewing files in Explorer, you’ll see the file name followed by the file extension.

For me, showing the file extensions for known files types is mostly distracting. It does come in handy when Windows does not recognize the file type and only shows “File” as the file type. In that case, it’s useful to show the file extension so that you can Google it. It helps to open files with PRN, MPP, PSF, MDI, PUB, etc file extensions.

Otherwise, here’s how to turn off the display of file extensions for known file types in Windows Vista.

First, click on Computer, then the Organize button, and then choose Folder and Search Options.

Next, click on the View tab and scroll down till you see the checkbox Hide extensions for known file types.

Just for your information, most file extensions are three characters long, but that’s not because a longer extension would cause any problems. Before Windows 95, MS-DOS could only support up to 3 characters for the file extension. Even though the limit is now gone, most programs still use three-character extensions for backward compatibility.

Also, you can have a file name with multiple periods, such as this.is.my.text.doc.txt. What kind of file type is this? It’s a TXT file! Only what’s after the last period is counted when considering the file type of a file. If you need to change the file extension of multiple files at once, read this post. Enjoy!

Also, check out my new sister site, HelpDeskGeek, which will be updated daily with tips for IT professionals!

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5 Responses to “Hide extensions for known file types in Windows Vista”

Abhinav Sonkar said on : October 9th, 2008 at 6:45 am

Personally, I would always want to display the file extension for security reasons. Pen drive viruses take advantage of hidden file extensions and pass executable files as folders.

FL said on : October 9th, 2008 at 6:57 am

“For me, showing the file extensions for known files types is mostly distracting.”
I am the completely opposite, for me, HIDING the file extensions for known files types is mostly distracting. I like the file extensions to be shown regardless of known or unknown file types. so that you always in control and know what you are dealing with.

Fabio said on : October 9th, 2008 at 3:26 pm

I simply can´t browse without the extensions, I really don´t understand how you do that. It´s like to go out without the wallet.

Andreas said on : October 10th, 2008 at 2:04 am

Or just press “Alt”. Choose “Tools”>”Folder options” <- exactly the same as Windows XP

MJ said on : October 11th, 2008 at 9:17 am

I guess it’s all about having the knowledge and the option of knowing how to do things.
Whether or not we actually do them is up to us ….but I think it’s good to know….