When we refer to files similar MP3s, ZIPs, or PDFs, we're referring to the file type (or file extension) that allows the operating organization to identify what type of file it is and what software is needed to open information technology. This is how Windows or macOS tin can determine that an MP3 file needs to be opened by your music player, or a PDF by a PDF reader.

If the file has the incorrect file type, and then Windows will employ the wrong programme to open information technology. This will probably crusade an error and stop you from accessing your file—after all, Microsoft Word can't handle MP3s. If you need to figure out how to change file types in Windows ten the correct manner, and then you'll need to follow these steps.

Can Y'all Change File Type in Windows 10?

A file extension acts as a manner for Windows to decide what to do with a file. Information technology tells the Windows operating system that, when you open an MP4 file, it should open VLC (if it's installed on your PC). Or when you open a DOCX file, it should open Microsoft Word. For every file blazon the operating arrangement knows, it'll friction match the file extension to software that should exist able to open it.

It'southward possible to change the file type for files in Windows 10, but this depends on the file itself. Changing file types isn't just about irresolute the extension at the end of a file proper name. If a file isn't created the "right way" then simply changing the extension won't piece of work.

Irresolute the extension doesn't change what the file ultimately is. An MP3 isn't a Word certificate, and then changing the file blazon from MP3 to DOCX won't suddenly make Word a music histrion. However, if the file types are similar (for case, JPG and PNG), then the software may still be able to open the file.

The best fashion to change file extensions is to relieve or convert it into an alternative format or use conversion services online. If y'all're confident that the file will still open, however, you lot can rapidly rename the extension using Windows File Explorer instead, only this may not work properly.

Displaying File Extensions in Windows File Explorer

Previous versions of Windows showed the file extension for files in Windows File Explorer. In Windows 10, these extensions are hidden by default, preventing y'all from quickly irresolute the file type.

If you want to change file extensions using Windows File Explorer, you lot'll need to change the setting to view subconscious file extensions.

  1. To do this, open up Windows File Explorer. From the ribbon bar, select View > Options > Change folder and search options.
  1. In the View tab of the Binder Options window, make sure that the Hibernate extensions for known file types checkbox is disabled, then select the OK push to relieve.
  1. With this setting disabled, you should now be able to view file extensions as part of each file name in Windows File Explorer.

Renaming a File Extension Using Windows File Explorer

With file extensions visible, you can showtime irresolute file types by renaming the file and replacing the old extension with the new extension. For instance, replacing file.txt with file.doc would turn a TXT text file to a Word certificate in the older DOC format. As the file contains text, Give-and-take should be able to sympathise and open it.

However, this only works considering software like Word is often smart enough to recognize the contents of certain files, filling in the gaps where it can to open up the file. Where irresolute TXT to DOC would piece of work, this wouldn't work with the newer DOCX format for Discussion document, as this newer file type is much more complex.

  1. If you still desire to rename a file blazon this way, open Windows File Explorer, right-click and file and select the Rename option.
  1. Supervene upon the older file extension with the new file extension, then printing the Enter key or click in the empty white space to salvage the changes.
  1. Windows will warn you that changing file extensions in this mode tin suspension the file. If you're sure you lot wish to continue, select OK to ostend.

In one case confirmed, the file extension volition be changed and the file volition be listed as the new file type in the Type column. Depending on the file extensions used, you should at present exist able to open up the file. If the procedure hasn't worked, rename the file and return it back to the previous extension.

Saving a File in Another File Format

Renaming a file type in Windows File Explorer doesn't change the file's data and can just work in certain (limited) circumstances. If you want to alter a file extension properly, you'll need to save or consign it to another format.

This works well with file types that are related. It's piece of cake enough to modify a DOCX file to a PDF, or a BIN to ISO, but it'southward more circuitous to change between very different types. For instance, while a PDF tin be exported as images, you can't only rename a PDF file to the PNG format.

If the software you lot're using is designed to allow editing, you lot tin can often save or consign a file to another format past selecting File > Relieve or Save As from the software menu. In the Save As window, you should be able to change the file type of the saved file beneath the file name.

You'll demand to check what file extensions are supported by the software you're using. If you want to consign your file to a format it doesn't back up, and so you'll need to wait for alternative software or consider converting it online using a file conversion website.

Irresolute File Types Using Online Services

If y'all don't accept the software to convert a file from one file type to another, yous can apply online services to do so. Once you upload the file, the remote server will convert it, assuasive you to download the file in the new format.

You lot should make sure to merely exercise this with files that you're happy to share. Uploading important documents to an unknown server is probably not the wisest idea, especially if you're worried almost online privacy. For non-essential files, even so, using this method should be perfectly safe to try.

Given the huge number of different file types out there, information technology isn't possible to recommend one service or another. If you practice want to effort a service like this, all the same, then try a quick Google search.

For case, searching for catechumen x to y (replacing x with the original file blazon and y with the new file type you desire to use) should provide you with a list of potential results.

Managing Files in Windows 10

Once you know how to change file types in Windows x, you tin bargain with software conflicts as they occur. Y'all can also safely convert files from ane type to some other, from music file conversions on your PC to converting PDFs to Google Docs online. If the file is in a like format, you can even attempt renaming the file extension itself.

If you're running out of space for your new files, you may need to look at a deejay space analyzer to accept a scrap of a make clean out. There are ways to automatically delete files in Windows x, but if yous're worried most losing important documents or photos, exist sure to look through and backup your files yourself.