How to Change a File Extension in Windows 10?

Are you trying to change the file extension of a file in Windows 10? Changing the file extension of a file can be fairly straightforward, but it can also be quite confusing if you’re not familiar with the process. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of changing a file extension in Windows 10, and provide you with some useful tips to keep in mind.

Change a File Extension in Windows 10

In Windows 10, changing a file extension is fast and easy. The Windows operating system allows you to easily view and change file extensions. This can be helpful when you need to use a file with a specific program or when you want to share a file with someone who doesn’t have the same program installed. In this article, we will show you how to change a file extension in Windows 10.

Step 1: Open File Explorer

The first step is to open File Explorer. You can do this by clicking the Start button in the bottom left corner of your screen and then clicking File Explorer. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + E on your keyboard to open File Explorer.

Step 2: Locate the File You Want to Change

Once File Explorer is open, you will need to locate the file you want to change the extension of. You can do this by browsing through the folders and files in File Explorer. Once you have located the file, right-click on it and select Properties.

Step 3: Change the File Extension

In the Properties window, you will see the file name, type, and size of the file. To change the file extension, click on the Change button next to the file type. This will open a window where you can type in the new file extension. Once you have typed in the new file extension, click OK.

Step 4: Confirm the Extension Change

Once you have clicked OK, the file extension will be changed. To confirm the change, you can right-click on the file and select Properties again. The file type should now be changed to the new extension you entered.

Step 5: Save the File

Once you have confirmed the file extension has been changed, you can save the file. To do this, right-click on the file and select Save As. In the Save As window, you can select a new location to save the file. Once you have selected a location, click Save.

Step 6: Share the File

The last step is to share the file with anyone who needs it. You can do this by emailing them the file, or by using a file sharing service such as Dropbox or Google Drive.

Tips and Tricks

– It is important to be careful when changing file extensions, as it can affect how the file is opened and used.
– If you are not sure what type of file you are dealing with, you can use a file extension lookup tool to find out.
– You can also use a file converter to convert a file to a different format.
– You can change multiple files at once by selecting them all in File Explorer and then selecting the Change option.

Few Frequently Asked Questions

What is a File Extension?

A file extension is a three or four-character suffix that is added to a file name. It indicates what type of file it is and allows the operating system to know which program to open the file with. For example, a file named “myfile.txt” has the “.txt” file extension, meaning it is a plain text file.

How to Change a File Extension in Windows 10?

To change a file extension in Windows 10, first open the File Explorer. Then, locate the file that you want to change the extension of, right-click on it, and select “Rename”. Finally, edit the file name to include the new extension and press “Enter”. It is important to note that changing a file extension does not change the type of file. It will only change what program opens the file by default.

How to Change a File Extension in Windows 10 Without Changing the File Type?

To change the file extension in Windows 10 without changing the file type, first open the File Explorer. Then, locate the file that you want to change the extension of, right-click on it, and select “Properties”. In the “General” tab, you will see the “Type of file”, which indicates the actual type of file. You can then change the extension in the “Name” field, while leaving the type of file unchanged.

What Programs Open Different File Extensions?

The programs that open different file extensions depend on the type of file. For example, a Microsoft Word document will open with Microsoft Word, a plain text file will open with Notepad, an image file will open with an image viewer, and so on. To find out which program opens a certain file type, you can search the web for the type of file and “open with”.

Are There Any Risks to Changing a File Extension?

Generally, there are no risks to changing a file extension. However, if you change the file extension of a file that is used by a certain program, it may prevent the program from opening the file. Additionally, if you change the extension of a file that is not compatible with the new extension, the file may become corrupted or unreadable.

How Can I Change the Default Program for a Certain File Extension?

To change the default program for a certain file extension, open the File Explorer. Then, locate the file that you want to change the default program of, right-click on it, and select “Open with”. Finally, select the program that you want to open the file with by default and click “OK”. You can also set the program as the default for all files with that extension by checking the “Always use this app to open .xxx files” box.

To conclude, knowing how to change a file extension in Windows 10 is an invaluable skill that can help you make the most of your computer. With the help of this guide, you can easily rename files and change their file extensions to make them compatible with the programs you use. It is an easy process that can save you time and effort when handling documents, photos, and videos.