How to Change File Extension Names and Icons in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows 10 and Windows 11 allow users to change file extension names and icons, which can be helpful when organizing and customizing your files. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing file extension names and icons in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Changing File Extension Names in Windows 10 and Windows 11

File extensions are the characters that appear after the dot in a file name, such as .txt for text files or .jpg for image files. Changing file extension names can help you identify files and associate them with specific programs. Here's how you can change file extension names in Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. Locate the file you want to change the extension name for.
2. Right-click on the file and select "Rename" from the context menu.
3. Erase the current file extension and type in the new extension you want to use.
4. Press Enter to save the changes.

It's important to note that changing file extension names can make files unreadable or cause them to open with the wrong program. Make sure you know what you're doing and have a backup of the file before changing its extension.

Changing File Icons in Windows 10 and Windows 11

File icons are the small images that represent different file types. Changing file icons can help you visually distinguish between different types of files. Here's how you can change file icons in Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. Locate the file for which you want to change the icon.
2. Right-click on the file and select "Properties" from the context menu.
3. In the Properties window, go to the "Customize" tab.
4. Click on the "Change Icon" button.
5. Select a new icon from the list or click "Browse" to choose a custom icon.
6. Click "OK" to save the changes.

You can also change the default icon for a specific file type in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Here's how:

1. Open File Explorer and go to the "View" tab.
2. Click on the "Options" button and select "Change folder and search options."
3. In the Folder Options window, go to the "View" tab.
4. Scroll down and uncheck the "Hide extensions for known file types" option.
5. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
6. Now, you can see the file extensions for all file types.
7. Locate the file type for which you want to change the default icon.
8. Click on the file type and then click on the "Advanced" button.
9. In the Edit File Type window, click on the "Change Icon" button.
10. Select a new icon from the list or click "Browse" to choose a custom icon.
11. Click "OK" to save the changes.

By following these steps, you can easily change file extension names and icons in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Remember to be cautious when modifying file extensions and always have a backup of your files.

Conclusion

Changing file extension names and icons in Windows 10 and Windows 11 can help you organize and customize your files. Whether you want to associate files with specific programs or visually distinguish between different file types, these simple steps can help you achieve your desired results. Just remember to exercise caution and backup your files before making any changes.

References

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