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How to Change File Type in Windows 10

Are you trying to figure out how to change the file type in Windows 10? Many people find this task to be difficult or confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step so you can easily convert your files to the type that you need. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have the correct file type in no time.

How to Change File Type in Windows 10

Source: helpdeskgeek.com

What is File Type and What is the Need to Change It?

A file type is a name given to a group of files that share the same file extension. File extensions tell you what type of file it is, and tell Windows what programs can open it. For example, files that have the extension .docx are Microsoft Word documents. Therefore, if you want to open them, you’ll need to use Microsoft Word or another program that can read Word documents. In some cases, you may need to change the file type of a file in order to open or use it.

Reasons to Change File Type

Changing the file type of a file can be necessary for a variety of reasons. For example, if you want to open a file in a different program than the one it was originally created in, you may need to change the file type. This is especially common with image files, as you may want to open them in a different program or edit them in a different program. Additionally, you may need to change the file type if the file is not compatible with the program you are trying to open it in.

Another reason to change the file type is if you want to reduce the file size of a file. Certain file types, such as JPEGs, can be compressed, which will reduce the file size. This can be useful if you are trying to save space on your hard drive or if you want to email a file that is too large.

How to Change File Type in Windows 10

Changing the file type in Windows 10 is actually quite simple. The first step is to find the file you want to change the type of. Once you have located the file, right-click on it and select “Properties” from the menu. In the Properties window, select the “Change” button next to the “Opens with” field. This will open the “Open With” window, which will allow you to select the program you want to open the file with.

Once you have selected the program you want to open the file with, select the “OK” button to save your changes. If you want to compress the file, you can select the “Advanced” button to open the “Compress File” window. From here, you can select the type of compression you want to use and the amount of compression you want to apply to the file. Once you have made your selections, select “OK” to save your changes.

Changing File Type with File Explorer

You can also use File Explorer to change the file type. To do this, open File Explorer and locate the file you want to change the type of. Once you have located the file, right-click on it and select “Properties” from the menu. In the Properties window, select the “Change” button next to the “Opens with” field. This will open the “Open With” window, which will allow you to select the program you want to open the file with.

Once you have selected the program you want to open the file with, select the “OK” button to save your changes. If you want to compress the file, you can select the “Advanced” button to open the “Compress File” window. From here, you can select the type of compression you want to use and the amount of compression you want to apply to the file. Once you have made your selections, select “OK” to save your changes.

Changing File Type with Command Line

You can also use the command line to change the file type. To do this, open the command prompt and type in the command “rename” followed by the file name and its new extension. For example, if you wanted to change the file type of a file named “myfile.txt” to a Word document, you would enter the command “rename myfile.txt myfile.docx”. Once you have entered the command, press Enter to save the changes.

Conclusion

Changing the file type of a file in Windows 10 is a relatively straightforward process. You can use the Properties window, File Explorer, or the command line to change the file type. Once you have changed the file type, you can open the file in the program you selected and edit it or compress it if necessary.

Related FAQ

What is a File Type?

A file type is a classification or designation of a file that indicates the type of data it contains. It is indicated by the file extension, which is the portion of the file name that appears after the period. For example, a file named “document.txt” has a file type of “txt”. Windows 10 supports a variety of file types, including documents, images, videos, and music.

How Do I Change a File Type in Windows 10?

Changing a file type in Windows 10 is simple. First, locate the file you want to change. Right-click on the file and select “Properties”. In the Properties window, select the “General” tab. Under the “Type of file” section, you can change the file type by typing in the appropriate file extension. Once you have made the change, click “Apply” and then “Ok” to save the changes.

What Are the Benefits of Changing a File Type?

Changing a file type can be beneficial in a variety of ways. For example, it can help your system recognize and open the file more quickly, as the right file type is associated with the right program to open it. Additionally, it can help organize your files, as you’ll be able to quickly identify the type of file based on its extension. Additionally, it can help protect your system from malicious files, as changing the file type can prevent malicious files from executing on your system.

What Are Some Common File Types?

Some common file types include .txt for text files, .docx for Microsoft Word documents, .xlsx for Excel spreadsheets, .jpg for images, .pdf for Adobe PDF documents, .mp4 for videos, and .mp3 for audio files.

Are There Any Risks Involved in Changing a File Type?

Yes, there are risks involved in changing a file type. For example, if you change a file type to something that your system does not recognize, the file may no longer be able to be opened. Additionally, changing a file type can make a file vulnerable to malicious programs, as the file type may be associated with a malicious program. It is important to make sure you are changing the file type to one that is recognized by your system, and that the new file type is not associated with any malicious programs.

How Can I Make Sure I’m Changing the File Type Safely?

To make sure you’re changing the file type safely, it is important to make sure the new file type is supported by your system. Additionally, it is important to make sure the new file type is not associated with any malicious programs. To do this, you can search for the new file type online to see if it is associated with any malicious programs. Additionally, you should always make sure you have the latest security updates and anti-virus software installed on your system to help protect against malicious programs.

How to Change File Type on Windows 10 | Change File Extensions | Simple & Working

If you want to change the file type in Windows 10, the process is relatively simple. With just a few clicks of the mouse, you can easily change the type of a file so that you can use it for whatever purpose you need. Remember to always back up your files before attempting to make any changes, and you should be good to go. With this simple guide, you now have the ability to change the file type in Windows 10.