How to Change the File Type in Windows 10

Page content:

#1 What Are File Types, and Can You Change Them in Windows 10?
#2 Fix 1: How to Change File Type in Windows 10 via File Explorer
#3 Fix 2: How to Edit File Type with an Online Tool
#4 Change File Type with CMD for Multiple Files?
#5 Can't Change File Type in Windows 10? Fix Disk Errors Now!

#1 What are file types, and can you change the file type in Windows 10? A file type is an identifier used in computer systems to recognize the content and handling method of a file. Each file is assigned a file type when it's created, typically indicated by its file extension (e.g., .txt, .docx, .jpg, etc.). The file type determines how the operating system opens and processes these files, as different programs can usually handle specific types of files. In Windows 10, yes, you can change the file type. This can be useful in situations where you want to open a file with a different application or need to alter the file format to suit other devices or software. Here are the basic steps to change a file type: 1. Right-click on the file whose type you want to change. 2. From the context menu, select "Rename." 3. Without changing the filename, modify the extension (i.e., the file type), then press Enter. 4. The system may ask if you're sure you want to change the file type; confirm your choice. 5. Lastly, ensure you have the correct corresponding program to open the new file type, or the file might not work properly. Please note that converting files to incompatible types can result in data loss or corruption, so it's advisable to back up important files before attempting such operations.

Right-click the file, then select “Properties” from the drop-down menu. You'll see the file type listed on the panel. The extension is the name of the file that stores it, such as .doc, .xlsx, .pptx, and so on. Setting a file extension makes it easier to open with a specific program, like opening an .xlsx file in Microsoft Excel.

Can I change a file type? Yes, you can change a file type by renaming it and altering its extension. This isn't foolproof, however. Some files that are created incorrectly won't open even after you change their extension.

In this article, we'll show you two quick ways to change the file type in Windows 10.

Fix 1: How to Change a File Type in Windows 10 Through File Explorer In Windows 10, you can change a file's type by altering its file extension through File Explorer. Here's how: 1. First, locate the file whose type you want to modify. 2. Right-click on the file, then select "Rename." 3. Instead of changing the actual filename, find the dot (.) after the name – this is the separator for the file extension. 4. Click after the dot and type the new file extension, but make sure you know what type of file this new extension represents, as it may affect how the file is opened or functions. 5. Press Enter to confirm the change. 6. A warning dialog might appear, asking if you're sure you want to change the file extension. If you're certain, click "Yes." 7. Finally, verify that your action was correct, as changing a file type might render the file inaccessible if it's not compatible with the new format. Please note that changing a file extension doesn't always alter the file's content or format. It primarily tells the operating system how to handle the file. If the file itself isn't compatible with the new type, changing the extension might still result in an unworkable file.

1 - Display File Types in Windows 10

Step 1: Type "Control Panel" in the search bar and click to open it.

Step 2: Click on Appearance and Personalization.

You can find it by clicking on “Control Panel” along the path.

Step 3. Select File Explorer Options in the pane.

Step 4: Go to the “View” tab, then click on “Advanced settings.” Untick “Hide extensions for known file types.”

Scroll down the list, and you'll see the “Hide extensions for known file types” option.

Step 5: Click on Apply, then click OK.

2 - Change the file type

Step 1: Open File Explorer. Locate the file whose extension you want to change.

Step 2. Right-click the file and select Rename from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Type in the new file extension to replace the old one, then press Enter on your keyboard or click on a blank area of the panel to save the change.

Step 4. After entering the new extension, you'll see a warning.

When you rename the folder, you'll get a warning that changing the file type might make the file unusable. Click Yes to continue.

When you're done, you'll see that the file's type has changed. If it worked, the icon will be recognized by programs on your computer and used to open it. For example, if you change .txt to .doc, and confirm, your new .doc file should open in Microsoft Word. However, if this doesn't work, it's best to change the extension back to its original type for the safety of your data.

Read more:

Solution 2: How to Edit File Types Using Online Tools

If “Rename” isn't suitable for you, a sensible option is to use an online file converter to change the file's format. Download the converted file to the correct location, then delete the old one. Make sure to use a secure website to keep your data safe.

Take CloudConvert.com, for example:

（The image displays a screenshot of an online conversion platform called "CloudConvert," which facilitates the conversion of various file formats.)

How to change the file type of multiple files using CMD?

Indeed, Method 1 can change file types, but you have to do it for each file extension. Is there any way to do it in bulk? We noticed that many users are asking how to change file extensions in Windows 10 using CMD. Some articles indeed provide the command line (like ren *.png *.jpg). Unfortunately, this doesn't always work. All we get is a message saying that the folder is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program, or batch file.

If you're still interested in CMD and want to try it, see:

Hold down the Shift key and right-click the folder. Choose “Open Command Window Here.” (If you don't see that option, forget it.)

Type the path where your target files are located, then enter the command line and press Enter: ren *.(current file type) *.(new file type)

Can't Change File Type in Windows 10? Fix Disk Errors Now!

The "Cannot change file type" issue might be caused by unknown disk partition errors. Therefore, we will introduce a partition management tool - AOMEI Partition Assistant Free, to help you smoothly check disk errors. You can use the "Check File System" feature. Once you apply this function, it will fix the found hard drive errors.

In addition, if you want to replace an old hard drive with a new one, you'll also need partition management software to create, resize, merge, format partitions, or migrate the operating system to another disk.

Download the tool Partition Master Free and check the file system with a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Open Partition Master on your computer. Then, locate the hard drive, right-click on the partition you want to check, and select “Advanced” > “Check File System”.

Select "Check Partition":

<Step 2> In the Check Disk Utility dialog box, select the Try to fix errors when found check box, and then click Start.

Step 3: The software will now begin checking the partition's file system on the disk. When it's done, click “Finish.”

In summary

That's all that has been listed in the article. Two quick ways and a third-party tool for checking disk errors are provided. Hopefully, they assist you to the fullest. If you come across any reliable solutions using CMD, we'd love to hear your feedback. For any technical issues, please reach out to support@tools.com.