HideFileExt 0: always show file extensions in File Explorer
Short answer
UpdatedBy default File Explorer hides endings such as .exe, .bat and .pdf. HideFileExt set to 0 shows them, so a file named 'settings.pdf.exe' cannot pass as a document. In the registry it sets HideFileExt to 0 under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
HKCUSoftware\
HideFileExtYour previous value0
What it does
By default File Explorer hides endings such as .exe, .bat and .pdf. HideFileExt set to 0 shows them, so a file named 'settings.pdf.exe' cannot pass as a document.
In the app the switch is called "Show File Extensions", described there as: Shows endings like .exe and .bat in File Explorer, so a program cannot pose as a document.
When it helps, and when it hurts
When it helps
- Spotting fake downloads, which matters when you download configs, mods and tools.
When it hurts
- Nothing, though renaming a file now shows the ending, so take care not to delete it.
What it writes
Exactly what the switch changes, read from the app's source. Switching it off is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.
| Key and value | With the tweak | Switching it off |
|---|---|---|
| HKCUSoftware\ | 0 | Your previous valueSaved before the change, or deleted if there was none.Windows default: 1. |
From the app's source (pack_extra.hpp), app 2.0.0, checked .
The same change by hand
You do not need the app for this one. These commands make the changes from the table above. Run them in a Command Prompt opened as administrator, and make a restore point first.
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "HideFileExt" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /freg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "HideFileExt" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /freg query "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "HideFileExt"How to undo it
In the app: Yes
Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.
Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. The app saved what each value was before the change and writes exactly that back, or removes the value if it did not exist.
Changing several settings at once? The app's Make a restore point button, on every plan, makes a Windows restore point before you start.
Verdict
Recommended for everyone. It is a small habit that prevents real mistakes.
Questions
- What does the "Show File Extensions" tweak change in Windows?
- In the registry it sets HideFileExt to 0 under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
- What is the default value of HideFileExt?
- The Windows default of HideFileExt is 1. Frozen Tweaks sets it to 0, and switching the tweak off puts back the value you had before.
- Is "Show File Extensions" safe to switch on?
- Recommended for everyone. It is a small habit that prevents real mistakes. The main cost: Nothing, though renaming a file now shows the ending, so take care not to delete it.
- How do I undo it?
- Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.
- Is "Show File Extensions" free in Frozen Tweaks?
- Yes. It is one of the free tweaks, with no time limit.
In the app
- Switch
- Show File Extensions
- Category
- Security
- Plan
- Free
- Undo
- Yes
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More tweak explainers
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Written by
Frost LIVEFounder of Frozen Tweaks, based in Hamburg, Germany. Publishes settings guides for competitive games on his YouTube channel, Frost LIVE.
In the app
- Category
- Security
- Plan
- Free
- Undo
- Yes
Frozen Tweaks
Free for Windows 10 and 11
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.
The free Windows app for competitive games.
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Frozen Tweaks runs on Windows. Send the link to your PC and download it there.
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.