Guide: How to Enable File Extensions in OneDrive for PC and Mobile
File extensions are crucial when it comes to determining certain file types. And especially with OneDrive, where you may have an assortment of files from different programs and devices. However, file extensions are not visible on the desktop of OneDrive and by default mobile apps. Generic icons can often be misleading and you have no idea what to do with them. Luckily, displaying file extensions on the desktop version of OneDrive is super easy, and on Android too. While OneDrive for iOS doesn’t make things that easy, you should still be able to watch up file extensions with a little effort. So without further ado, let’s see how to do that.
On the desktop
OneDrive does not provide built-in means to enable file extensions on the desktop. But because it is fully integrated with Windows, you can use the native functionality of File Explorer to view extensions. However, this causes all files in other folders – not just OneDrive – to show file extensions as well, so it’s something to keep in mind. Step 1: Open File Explorer and click File in the menu bar. From the drop-down menu, click Change folder and search options.
Step 2: In the Folder Options dialog box, switch to the View tab. In the Advanced settings section, clear the check box next to Hide extensions for known file types. After that, click Apply and then click OK to save the changes.
That is it. Go to the OneDrive folder and you should be able to see all the file extensions. They also show up no matter which display mode you are using – list, details, large icons, etc. Tip If you want to hide file extensions at a later time, go back to the View tab in the Folder Options dialog box and then check the Hide extensions for known file types option. Alternatively, you can also choose to watch up the extension of a file only if it is really necessary. To do that, right-click on the file and select Properties from the context menu. The file extension should be clearly visible next to File Type in the General tab. But that’s a tedious method when you need to check multiple files.
Another way to determine a file extension is to simply move the mouse pointer over the file. Most likely you will see the extension in the tooltip that follows. If not, you’ll need to use the file’s properties dialog to find out.
On Android
Microsoft’s developers have been quite considerate with the Android version of OneDrive. They provide you with a special option that you can use at any time to list file extensions. However, you’ll need to dive into the Settings panel for a moment to turn on the device. Step 1: Fire up the OneDrive app, tap the Me icon at the bottom of the screen, then tap Settings.
Step 2: On the next screen, turn on the toggle next to Show file extensions and then go back.
You should immediately see extensions for all files. If it doesn’t then just force quit and restart the app, and you should be good. Note: To hide file extensions, go back to the OneDrive settings screen and turn off the switch next to Show file extensions. An alternative means of control up a file extension without checking the Show file extensions option is by tapping the Ellipsis (three dots) icon next to a file. On the menu that appears up, tap the inverted exclamation mark icon and you should be able to see the extension next to Type.
Quite a hassle to do all the time, but quite useful for one-off cases.
On iOS
While OneDrive on iOS is pretty great everywhere, unfortunately it doesn’t feature any built-in means of displaying standard file extensions just like its Android counterpart. Hence, you have to resort to manual search up extensions when needed, but it’s easier than you might think. Do you see that Ellipsis icon next to every file? Just tap on it and you should see the file extension along with the file name at the top of the next menu.
Furthermore, in the same menu, you can also tap Details to see additional file details – modified date, size, location, etc. If you trust the Files app to work with OneDrive, simply tap and hold a file, then tap Info in the context menu that appears up
The file name along with the extension should be visible at the top of the Info popupup box.
What about the web app?
So that’s how you view file extensions in OneDrive on the desktop, Android and iOS. It can be easy or slightly tedious depending on the platform, but now you know without any confusion what type of file you can access. But what about the OneDrive web app? Well, it has file extensions by default so that’s one less thing to worry about.
How to Enable File Extensions in OneDrive for PC and Mobile: benefits
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