If you have a file that you need to be changed to a different format, we will show you how to change the file type in Windows 10. There will be no need to install any additional software, Windows has everything you need to do the job.

It’s just a simple case of renaming its extension. It’s the last three characters at the end of a filename.

But before you can change the type, you will need to be able to edit the extension. It’s a simple setting in File Explorer.

Before you continue, I will also recommend making a copy of your file, so you can make sure you don’t lose anything you want to keep in case something goes wrong.

An example of why you may want to change a file type is due to software making backups.

Now and then a program will make a backup of it and then one of the characters on the extension of the filename gets replaced with an underscore. Which would look like: filename._xe instead of filename.exe.

Let’s go through the steps in order to change the type.

How to change a file’s type

You have successfully changed the file type.

If for some reason you are unable to see the extension, please refer to our other article showing you how to display file extensions.

How to change programs associated with the file type

Conclusion

Now you know how to change file types and their associated program.

So you won’t have the incorrect program opening up whenever you click on it.