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

If the file has the incorrect file type, then Windows will use the wrong program to open up it. This volition probably cause an error and end you from accessing your file—afterward all, Microsoft Word can't handle MP3s. If you need to figure out how to alter file types in Windows 10 the right way, then you'll need to follow these steps.

Can You Change File Type in Windows 10?

A file extension acts as a manner for Windows to determine what to exercise with a file. Information technology tells the Windows operating system that, when yous 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 up Microsoft Word. For every file type the operating system knows, it'll lucifer the file extension to software that should be able to open it.

It's possible to modify the file blazon for files in Windows 10, but this depends on the file itself. Irresolute file types isn't just near irresolute the extension at the end of a file proper noun. If a file isn't created the "right way" then but changing the extension won't work.

Changing the extension doesn't change what the file ultimately is. An MP3 isn't a Word document, so changing the file blazon from MP3 to DOCX won't suddenly make Discussion a music role player. All the same, if the file types are like (for example, JPG and PNG), and so the software may all the same exist able to open the file.

The all-time way to alter file extensions is to save or convert it into an alternative format or use conversion services online. If you lot're confident that the file volition nonetheless open, however, you can apace rename the extension using Windows File Explorer instead, but this may non 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 you from chop-chop changing the file blazon.

If yous want to change file extensions using Windows File Explorer, yous'll need to change the setting to view hidden file extensions.

  1. To practice this, open Windows File Explorer. From the ribbon bar, select View > Options > Alter binder and search options.
  1. In the View tab of the Folder Options window, make sure that the Hide extensions for known file types checkbox is disabled, then select the OK button to save.
  1. With this setting disabled, you lot should at present be able to view file extensions every bit function of each file name in Windows File Explorer.

Renaming a File Extension Using Windows File Explorer

With file extensions visible, you tin start changing file types by renaming the file and replacing the old extension with the new extension. For case, replacing file.txt with file.doc would turn a TXT text file to a Discussion certificate in the older Physician format. As the file contains text, Give-and-take should be able to understand and open up it.

Withal, this only works considering software like Give-and-take is frequently smart enough to recognize the contents of certain files, filling in the gaps where it can to open the file. Where irresolute TXT to Physician would work, this wouldn't work with the newer DOCX format for Word certificate, every bit this newer file type is much more than complex.

  1. If yous still want to rename a file type this way, open up Windows File Explorer, right-click and file and select the Rename choice.
  1. Supersede the older file extension with the new file extension, so press the Enter fundamental or click in the empty white infinite to relieve the changes.
  1. Windows will warn you that irresolute file extensions in this manner can interruption the file. If you're sure you lot wish to continue, select OK to confirm.

Once confirmed, the file extension will exist changed and the file will be listed as the new file blazon in the Type column. Depending on the file extensions used, you should now be able to open the file. If the process hasn't worked, rename the file and return it dorsum 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 tin only work in certain (limited) circumstances. If y'all desire to change a file extension properly, you'll need to salve or export it to another format.

This works well with file types that are related. Information technology'southward easy enough to alter a DOCX file to a PDF, or a BIN to ISO, but information technology'southward more complex to alter between very different types. For instance, while a PDF can be exported as images, you can't just rename a PDF file to the PNG format.

If the software you lot're using is designed to permit editing, you can oft save or consign a file to some other format past selecting File > Save or Save Equally from the software card. In the Save Every bit window, you should be able to modify the file type of the saved file below the file name.

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

Changing File Types Using Online Services

If you don't have the software to convert a file from one file type to another, you tin use online services to do so. Once y'all upload the file, the remote server will convert information technology, allowing yous to download the file in the new format.

You should make certain to simply practise this with files that you're happy to share. Uploading important documents to an unknown server is probably non the wisest idea, especially if you're worried virtually online privacy. For non-essential files, still, using this method should exist perfectly safe to endeavor.

Given the huge number of dissimilar file types out there, it isn't possible to recommend one service or another. If yous do want to try a service similar this, however, then attempt a quick Google search.

For instance, searching for convert x to y (replacing 10 with the original file blazon and y with the new file blazon yous want to use) should provide y'all with a list of potential results.

Managing Files in Windows 10

Once you know how to change file types in Windows 10, you can deal with software conflicts as they occur. You can also safely convert files from one type to another, from music file conversions on your PC to converting PDFs to Google Docs online. If the file is in a similar format, you tin can fifty-fifty endeavour renaming the file extension itself.

If you're running out of space for your new files, y'all may demand to look at a disk space analyzer to accept a bit of a make clean out. There are ways to automatically delete files in Windows 10, but if you lot're worried about losing important documents or photos, exist sure to await through and backup your files yourself.