Script to set "Hide file extensions"

Question

I'm tired of the multi-step process to set my preferred folder options on every server to which I log on (Mostly Win2008, but also some 2012 and Win7 here and there). I'd love to be able to script the process, but unfortunately, I can't find any commands or extensions to do so for folder options.

There are several settings I'd like to change, but in particular, I'd like to set "Hide file extensions for known file types" to false. I figure that if I can do that, I'll be able to manage any additional settings on my own.

Methods that work on the vanilla command line would be preferred, but if there are commands in PowerShell, I'll use that.

score 25 · Accepted Answer · answered Oct 29 '13 at 14:06

You need to create two .reg files.

To hide extensions

reg add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced /v HideFileExt /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

To show extensions

reg add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced /v HideFileExt /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

score 11 · Answer 2 · edited May 14 '21 at 11:32

Here is a Powershell version

function ShowFileExtensions() 
{
    Push-Location
    Set-Location HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
    Set-ItemProperty . HideFileExt "0"
    Pop-Location
}

function HideFileExtensions() 
{
    Push-Location
    Set-Location HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
    Set-ItemProperty . HideFileExt "1"
    Pop-Location
}

score 6 · Answer 3 · edited May 06 '21 at 11:40

6

PowerShell one-liner to show file extensions (don't hide known extensions):

New-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" -Name "HideFileExt" -Value 0 -PropertyType DWORD -Force

edited May 06 '21 at 11:40

Grilse

3,793
3
19
14

answered Feb 18 '21 at 19:17

masterxilo

537

score 2 · Answer 4 · edited Mar 20 '17 at 10:17

I found this autohotkey solution at: How to write an autohotkey script to toggle the Show hidden files and folders setting?

This is especially nice because it also handles refreshing the explorer to make the change visible.

;------------------------------------------------------------------------
; Show hidden folders and files in Windows XP
;------------------------------------------------------------------------
; User Key: [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
; Value Name: Hidden
; Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
; Value Data: (1 = show hidden, 2 = do not show)

    #h::

        RegRead, ShowHidden_Status, HKEY_CURRENT_USER, Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced, Hidden
        if ShowHidden_Status = 2 
        RegWrite, REG_DWORD, HKEY_CURRENT_USER, Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced, Hidden, 1
        Else
        RegWrite, REG_DWORD, HKEY_CURRENT_USER, Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced, Hidden, 2
        WinGetClass, CabinetWClass
        PostMessage, 0x111, 28931,,, A
        Return

score 1 · Answer 5 · edited May 14 '21 at 13:47

Using any text editor, create a file unhide-known-ext.REG

inside, paste this content :

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"HideFileExt"=dword:00000000**

Save it
Double click this file and confirm OK.

comment :

dword:00000000 means show file extension
dword:00000001 means hide file extension

Good luck !

score 0 · Answer 6 · answered May 23 '16 at 11:50

0

This is the only one that worked for me without any operations besides clicking the script file:

http://www.askvg.com/create-simple-script-to-show-hide-file-extensions-in-windows-xp-vista-and-7/

answered May 23 '16 at 11:50

Mugen

131

Joyo · Answer 7 · 2024-01-04T11:56:33.520

i found a super easy solution that works and does not need any programming skills. Plus works on ALL settings for explorer and not just one:

You can set the option in the GUI and then export a regfile. You can then just click on this regfile anytime to set all options at a later time (or new PC).

go to explorer view settings and set it up the way you want.

In my case it was: show file extensions, explorer tree following the opened folders and compact view.

HOW TO:

open regedit and navigate to: [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]

select that node with the mouse so its highlighted then in regiedit select File->Export. a dialogue will ask for a filename (extension reg) and save it. This will export all set options to a single file.

whenever you want to activate your settings just double click on the reg file and instantly all is set.

just remember to backup your reg file before trying things!

Script to set "Hide file extensions"

7 Answers7