How to Change a File's Name & Format
You can change the name and format of a file, even after you've already created it, by using the tools in Windows. You may find this beneficial if you are giving the file to someone and they do not have the program needed to open the current format or if you want to give a file a more recognizable name. Changing the name and format of a file is a relatively straight forward process that only takes a few minutes.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Click "Start" and select "Control Panel." Double-click on "Appearance and Personalization." Double-click "Folder Options." The "Folder Options" dialog box will appear.
-
2
Click on the "View" tab and scroll down to "Hide extensions for known file types" in the "Advanced settings" field. Click to remove the check-mark. File extensions will now appear at the end of the filename of all files. For example, a file named "File" will now appear as "File.txt" if it is a text file.
-
-
3
Click "OK" to save your settings and close the dialog box.
-
4
Locate the file on your computer that you want to rename and change the format. Right-click the file and select "Rename." The name and extension of the file will highlight, allowing you to edit it.
-
5
Type in the new filename followed by a period and the extension of the file that you want to change the format to. For example, if you want to change "File.txt" to a BAT format file named "Install" input "Install.bat".
-
6
Press "Enter" to save the new name and format of the file. A dialog box will appear asking if you are sure you want to change the format of the file. Click "Yes."
-
1
