Microsoft has added a feature on the File Explorer Options or Folder Options ribbon and mini window on Windows 10 which allows the user to either enable or disable the file extensions’ visibility in the File Explorer. However, some users enable it to use it for a few minutes and then hide the extensions of the files. Following the Folder Options path often takes longer and is tedious. So, the best resort would be having that option toggled from the right-click context menu. These File extensions vary from the type of file that a user is trying to run.
If you add ‘File name extensions’ item to Windows 10 context menu, then you will be able to show or hide file extensions with a single click! Useful if you need to enable the option temporarily.
Add File name extensions to Context Menu
To add the ‘File name extensions’ option in the context menu on Windows 10, the user has to make use of the Windows 10 Registry Editor. The context menus covered in this step are the ones on the Desktop, File, Folder and the folder background. We will be covering two aspects of this guide. They are as follows:
- Adding File Name extensions option to the context menu.
- Removing File Name extensions option to the context menu.
1] Add File Name extensions option to the context menu
This is a pretty straightforward method to follow.
Download this Registry file, double-click on the file and give your approval to add the Registry entries.
If you still do not see the option, just reboot your computer for it to appear.
2] Remove File Name extensions option to the context menu
For this, open the Windows 10 Registry Editor and navigate to the following paths:
- HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFilesystemObjects\shell\Windows.ShowFileExtensions
- HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\Windows.ShowFileExtensions
Delete both of these folders.
Reboot your computer and the option would go away.
I hope you find this useful.
