File Extension is that which identifies the file type. If
you are a regular Windows user, then it is not at all a problem to identify the
file type. For it is very important to see file extension to identity the type
of file you are trying to open from a security point of view. So in this post,
we will see how to show File Extensions and why you should.
Since file names allow you to use multiple full stops, the
real name of a malware file could be realword.docx.exe. But because you have
not set Windows to show file extensions, you would see only realword.docx.
Thinking its a Word document, you could well end up clicking on it and
infecting your computer. If you had, on the other hand, set your PC to show
file extensions, you would see its ful name – realword.docx.exe, which would
help you to identify that it was actually an executable file and in all
probability a malware file.
What are File Extensions and how are they useful
As mentioned earlier, by default Windows does not show files
extensions and they are hidden. But, you can toggle the option to see them.
Show
File Extensions
There are two ways how you can go
about accessing this setting. One way is through the Control Panel
and other way is through Windows Explorer itself. In both ways, you will be
toggling the option to see file extensions.
Through Control Panel
Open Control Panel
> Appearance and Personalization. Now, click on Folder
Options > View tab. In this tab, under Advance Settings, you will
see the option Hide extensions for known file types. Uncheck this
option and click on Apply and OK.
Now, you can see file extensions for all files anywhere on
your Windows system.
Via Windows File Explorer
In Windows 8.1 explorer, you can access it via View > Options > Change folder and search options. In Windows 7, open Explorer, press Alt on your keyboard to make the Classic bar appear. Next, click on Tools > Folder Options. Now follow the steps mentioned above.
Thus, you can set your Windows to show file extensions in Windows 8. If you have anything to add, please do share with us through comments.
Open Control Panel
> Appearance and Personalization. Now, click on Folder
Options > View tab. In this tab, under Advance Settings, you will
see the option Hide extensions for known file types. Uncheck this
option and click on Apply and OK.