The example below we delete the file extension on all the files in the current directory that end with. To delete the file extension of all files with the same file extension, follow the steps below. See the move command page for more information about this command.Unless the file already exists, you'll get no message or an 'OK' message indicating that the file was renamed and the file extension was removed. In our example below, we rename the file 'myfile.txt' to 'myfile' to delete the file extension. MS-DOS and Windows command line usersĬhange the directory to the location of where the file is located. If you want to delete the file extensions of multiple files, we recommend you enter the Windows command line and follow the steps below. Click Yes on the warning about the file becoming unusable if you're sure you want to delete the file name extension.Right-click the file (not the shortcut).By default, this option is disabled.Īssuming the file is named myfile.txt, we remove its file extension by performing the following steps. Rename multiple files, including subdirectories.īefore a file extension can be deleted, you must have the show file extensions enabled.In File Explorer under View, in the Show/hide group, select the File name extensions check box.īelow is a list of common Windows file name extensions and formats. In the search box on the taskbar, type file explorer, and in the search results, select File Explorer. If you don’t see file name extensions when you view files in File Explorer: To learn more about how to change which program will open a file, read Change default programs in Windows 10. You can change a file name extension, but that won't convert the file to another format or change anything else about it except the file name. Most file name extensions are compatible with more than one program that you have installed. For example, the docx extension tells your computer that Microsoft Word can open the file and to display a Word icon when you view it in File Explorer. In expenses.xlsx, for example, the first part of the file name is expenses and the extension is xlsx.Įxtensions tell your computer which application created or can open the file and which icon to use for the file. Windows file names have two parts separated by a period: first, the file name, and second, a three- or four-character extension that defines the file type.

Mac text file extension