Every file on your computer has a specific extension at the end of the filename, followed by a period (.). The Windows operating system can learn about the file structure and open it in the relevant software on your PC. But sometimes, you may come across unknown file extensions in your workflow. Here are the best ways to open strange file extensions in Windows 11.
You need to have the relevant software installed on your computer to open specific files. For example, you can open the spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel or Libre Office. Similarly, you can access your PDF documents in Microsoft Edge, Foxit PDF, Adobe Reader and other PDF software on Windows. But what if you come across files with unknown extension? We’ll show you how to identify extensions on such files and use compatible software to open them.
Determine file type on Windows 11
There are two ways to find file extensions on Windows 11. You can use the built-in File Explorer or use third-party applications.
Data management program
Keeping up with the design changes in Windows 11, Microsoft has enhanced File Explorer and right-click context menus with a new user interface on Windows. This is how you can find file extensions on Windows 11.
Step 1: Press Windows key + E to open the File Explorer menu.
Step 2: Select a file and right click on it.
Step 3: Select ‘Show more options’ from the context menu.
Step 4: Open Properties.
Step 5: Check the file type in the General tab.
This method may not work with all files. Sometimes you may come across files with unknown extension. In such cases, you will need to use free file recognition tools to discover the file’s extension.
Using the File Identifier
If you cannot find the file extension from the File Explorer application, use online services such as FIlext or FileInfo. If you have confidential information in the file, you should use offline software to identify the extension. It is not recommended to upload private files to website-based tools.
Step 1: Go to FIExt on the web.
Step 2: Select ‘Select your file.’
Step 3: Upload and open the file. Scroll down to see the file name, size, and extension.
The best part is that you can convert those unknown files to PDF, JPG, DOCX, TXT and MP4 format from the same menu.
Step 4: Click ‘Save As’ at the top, choose your file format and save the converted file on your PC.
We have successfully converted a HEIC file to JPG and opened it with the default Photos app on Windows 11.
1. Download required extension
You will need to download the relevant extensions from the Microsoft Store on Windows for specific file types. Let’s take the HEIC file extension as an example here. This is a common file format on iPhone and iPad. Apple takes photos in HEIC format by default. When you move such files to your Windows PC, you cannot open them with the default Photos app. The system will ask you to install the HEVC video extension.
Step 1: Try opening the HEIC file on Windows.
Step 2: Photos app will provide download link to install HEVC Video Extension on desktop.
Buy and install the extension on your PC and open HEIC files without interruption.
2. Download apps from Microsoft Store
You can download third-party software from the Microsoft Store to open unknown file extensions. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Open the File Explorer application and right-click on the file with the unknown extension.
Step 2: Expand ‘Open with’ and select ‘Search with Microsoft Store.’
Step 3: Windows will open the default store with a list of apps to open those files.
Step 4: You can install a relevant app based on ratings and comments and open unknown files without breaking a sweat.
3. Using third-party programs from the web
Not all related apps are available from the Microsoft Store. You can download third-party applications from the web and open unknown file types.
For example, the default video player on Windows doesn’t play MKV videos. You must download VLC Player from the official website to play all types of videos. Similarly, you can use Adobe Acrobat to open large PDF files.
Set default apps to open specific file types in Windows 11
After you find a compatible software to open unknown file extensions, use the steps below to make it the default for those file types.
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Step 2: Select Applications from the left sidebar. Click Default Applications in the right pane.
Step 3: Scroll to ‘Select defaults by file type’.
Step 5: Find an unknown file type and select the software to set it as default.
Access all your files on Windows
When none of the tricks work, you’ll need to convert the unknown file type to a file that’s recognizable on your computer. For example, you can convert an MKV video to MP4 and easily open it with the Microsoft Photos app.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
