How To Change File Extensions In Windows 7, Vista, XP [Beginner Tip]

Here is a very basic, yet frequently used tip on how to change file extension in Windows. There are so many use cases, for instance changing an EXE file to TXT to send a game to your friend via Email, changing .m4a to .m4r while creating iPhone ringtones, changing a file extension back to it’s original one after a malware attack, and so on.

Changing a file extension is different from changing file type or association. Note that changing a file extension may result in change of it’s icon, right click context menu, or file type and default programs. So go ahead and rename file extension only if you are sure what you are doing.

Here is how you can change file name extension in Windows:

1. Windows 7, Vista:

Open Windows Explorer, click on ‘Organize’ menu and select ‘Folder and search options’.

If have migrated to Windows 7 from XP, you are probably missing the folder options. The Tools menu is by default hidden in Explorer, you can show it by hitting the ALT key.

Windows XP:

In Windows Explorer go to Tools –> Folder Options –> View tab.

2. Go to the View tab and in the ‘Advanced settings’ section scroll down the list to find the option ‘Hide extensions for known file types’. Clear this option and click OK to save changes.

3. Now you should be able to see the file name along with extension. Right click on your file and select ‘Rename’ or select file and hit F2.

4. When you see the warning message ‘If you change a file name extension, the file might become unusable. Are you sure you want to change it?’, click Yes.

After you change the file extension, turn off extensions by selecting the ‘Hide extensions for known file types’ check box.