How to Add or Remove Extension of File Type in Windows 10

 
In this tutorial, you will read How to Add or Remove Extension of File Type in Windows 10. You will come across three sections in this post where the first will have the tips to display the file type extensions for the known files. The second section consists the steps to add the Hidden file extensions. And the last section will guide you to add or remove Shortcut name (prefix) extension in shortcut created files in Windows 10.

What Are File Name Extensions?

You find a group of characters at the end of each of your Files everywhere. This could be .jpg, or .png, or .doc or .txt or any other. These are none other than File Name Extensions and tell that which types of files these are.

Why Are File Name Extensions so important?

When you meet a malicious threat the main thing you need to know is which type of file is damaging your PC so that you can rectify the issues or take a precautionary measure to avoid this kind of attack in the future. So, Microsoft should make this feature available by default because as the extensions are hidden you will never get to know the file type. But I infer they have emphasized on the clean interface rather than security.

You may like to read:

How to Turn On and Off Windows Defender in Windows 10

How to Add Extension of File Type in Windows 10

Just like previous editions, Windows 10 also refuses to show Extension of File Type in Windows 10 of the known files by default. The main reason of the hidden file extensions is to refrain user’s mind from confusion with the exhibition of different types of extension. But Windows 10 always gives you the chance to display the file extensions like avi, doc, exe, mp3, txt and a lot more.

files without extension on desktop

Steps to follow:

  • Open This PC.
  • On the top, click View.
view tab in this pc window
  • A new ribbon arrives. Take your attention to the extreme right corner of the ribbon and click Options.
options button on the ribbon of this pc window
  • A new window of Folder Options arrives on your screen.
  • Get into the View tab.
check box before hide extension for the known file types
  • Beneath the Advanced settings section, go to the Hide extensions for known file types option.
  • Clear the checkbox of the option and click Apply and Ok buttons.
  • Now, you can see the file extensions of the known files.
Extension of File Type in Windows 10

After the completion of the above process, Windows starts showing the Extension of File Type in Windows 10 and you can easily figure out the individual file type.

How to Add Hidden Extension of File Type in Windows 10 for Security Purpose

After you clear the checkbox Hide extensions for known file types in Folder Options, Windows 10 will display most of the file extensions leaving behind some of the system reserved file extensions like URL (internet shortcuts), lnk (file shortcuts). These file extensions are not displayed in File Explorer and are tucked away by default through Registry keys.

NeverShowExt is the Registry key which when set for any Extension of File Type in Windows 10 in Registry Editor, disallows the same file extension to display in File Explorer. There are certain file extensions which are always kept hidden in File Explorer. They are –

LNK (File/Folder Shortcut)

URL (Internet Shortcut)

PIF (MS-DOS Program Shortcut)

SCF (Windows Explorer Command)

SHS (Shell Scrap Object)

SHB (Document Shortcut)

XNK (Exchange Folder Shortcut)

The above-referred file types hold NeverShowExt strings in the Registry Editor which restrict them from displaying their file extensions. And hence, this type of behavior brings harm to your computer. Suppose anyone creates a harmful program and change its name to example.txt.url. And as per Windows nature, the URL extension will not be shown and you would assume it to be a txt file and attempt to open it and thus brings threats to your computer. So, your big concern would be to solve the problem.

For the hidden file types, you need to remove the NeverShowExt string in Registry Editor and then only you can see the file extensions.

  • Hit Windows and R keys cumulatively to see the Run command dialog box.
  • Type Regedit and press Enter key.
regedit command in run box
  • If  UAC prompts up, click Yes button.
  • Click Edit followed by Find in the menu bar.
  • Or you can also use the shortcut keys Ctrl + F.
find option in edit tab in registry editor
  • A Find box appears now.
  • In the Find what space, type NeverShowExt and hit Enter.
nevershowext search in in registry editor
  • The search begins and the first string of NeverShowExt will be demonstrated in the Registry Editor window.
nevershowext in lnkfile in registry editor
  • In Registry Editor, you will see many NeverShowExt strings but you are advised to delete the strings of the preferred keys. Take precautions before deleting the strings because you might see it in other types like the library, account picture, and things like that.
  • So before deleting, take a backup of the respective key. Right-click on the key and choose Export.
export option in lnkfile right click context menu
  • Now, get to the right pane of the key and select NeverShowExt string and hit Delete key or right-click on the string and click Delete option.
delete option in right click menus ion nevershowext
  • To see the next available NeverShowExt string, press F3 key.
  • Delete the string of the key if needed.
  • After the process is over, restart your Windows 10 computer and see the file extensions.

How to Add or Remove Shortcut word after File Name in Windows 10

When you perform a right-click on a folder, file or even a drive, the context menu displays you some of the commands. If you choose to select Create shortcut or Send to Desktop commands, a shortcut of the same folder, file or drive will be created in the Desktop and it will exhibit the filename along with the Shortcut word (prefix) at its end. You can add or remove it.

You need to download .bat file to either add or remove the Shortcut word after the afresh created shortcuts.

Remove Shortcut word after File

  • Click the below link and download the file.
software download button to Remove Shortcut Extension from file type
  • Try to save the .bat file in an easily navigated location.
  • Get to the location where you have saved it and double click on the .bat file.
  • Now, your screen will blink. Create a new shortcut and you can see the Shortcut name extension is turn on.

Note: This is turned on by default.

Add Shortcut word after File

  • Download the .bat file from the following link.
Software Add download button to add Shortcut Extension to file
  • Go to the downloaded file and double click the .bat file.
  • Here also your screen will blink. Create a new shortcut to see if the Shortcut name extension is still on or not.

Note: The changes are applied to the shortcuts created after turning on or off the Shortcut name extension. Shortcut name extension of the shortcuts created prior to the change will not be affected.

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Topics:  Windows 10
  
About Sunita
Love to play with Windows 11 and 10. Suggestion - Going for Registry change or system files edit then remember to take a backup or create a restore point before Starting.