Here Is How to Change a File Type in Windows 10

 Here Is How to Change a File Type in Windows 10

A specific file type is identified by its extension. For a regular Windows 10 user, it shouldn’t be a problem to determine the type of a file just by looking at its extension. It is important for users to know how to identify a file type from a security viewpoint. Since it is possible to add multiple full stops to a file’s name, malicious software often uses this tactic to deceive users. Therefore, by understanding how to change a file extension in Windows 10, you will also know how to identify it. You should also learn how to set your computer to show extensions.

If your computer is not showing file extensions, then you are at risk of being deceived by malware. For instance, a malicious file with multiple full stops may appear like this: companynotes.docx.exe. Now, if your computer is not set to show file extensions, the file will read as companynotes.docx, thereby tricking you into thinking that it’s a Word document, which may lead you to click on it and infect your computer. As you can see, seeing file types in Windows 10 is essential.

Windows lets users change one file type to another. For example, you can change a text file’s extension from .txt to .html. Changing a file’s extension allows the file to be compatible with another piece of software. For instance, the given example allows the TXT file, which can be accessed using Notepad, to be opened by your browser when its extension is converted to .html. So, if you want to find out how to change a file extension, then continue reading.

How to Change a File Extension in Windows 10?

To change any file extension on Windows 10, you first need to set your system to show file types. You can achieve this by following these simple steps:

1. Press the Windows Key + E shortcut. Find the View button on the top ribbon and click on it. 
2. Select Options and click on Change folder and search options.
3. Look for Hide extensions for known file types and uncheck the option. Once you are done, all files will be showing their file extensions.

When done with the process, you can now change a specific file’s extension. Follow these steps to do so:

1. Access the file you wish to change the extension for and right-click on it.
2. Choose Rename, then enter the file extension you want, replacing the existing one in the process.

If you have a specific app that you want to use when opening your file, you can achieve this by following these steps:

1. Access the file of interest and right-click on it.
2. From the resulting menu, choose Open with.
3. Windows will then suggest a list of apps that can open the file type. Find the one you want and set it as the default app for opening this file type by checking the Always use this app box. If for some reason you don’t find the app on the suggested list, you can click on the Look for an app in the Store button. Alternatively, you can click on More apps to access the expanded list.
4. Once you have found the app and selected it, you can click on OK to conclude the process.

Other Windows 10 tips could be found here.
Note that all files that have the same extension as the one you just set the default app for will be opened by that particular app in the future.