How to Change A File Type on Windows 11? Basic and Advanced Way

Windows uses file types and file extensions to detect which programs and applications are required to access documents. These are all the MP3s of the universe, as well as DOCXs, JPGs, TXTs, and dozens of many other file types that your computer can read. And it’s reasonable to assume that if your machine can recognize a document, it has one. However, you might wish to modify a file’s prefix to force Windows to launch it with a computer app. So, if you want to change the file type in Windows 11, here’s everything you need to know about how to change a file type on Windows 11 basic and advanced ways to do so.

What is the Process to Alter a File Type on Windows 11?

You may change the file type in Windows 11 in a few different ways. With some of those instructions, you may even alter the file format of several files. Let’s take a look at each of these options independently so you can find the one that best suits your needs.

With some of those instructions, you may even alter the file format of several files. Let’s take a gander at each of these options independently so you can find the one that best suits your needs.

Modify a File Type Using Rename on Windows 11

The easiest approach to alter the type of file is to rename it. But first, make sure that the file extensions are activated in the ‘View’ folder settings. Since you already have it turned on, you may ignore this section. Here’s how everybody else can do it:

  • To launch File Explorer, use Win + E and select View.
  • Then, under Show, tick the box next to Filename suffixes.
  • The extension of a file will now require the completion of its name.
  • Choose this file and tap the Rename icon to change the file type.
  • Modify the file extension (all of it after the final dot) to the desired one now.
  • Follow the instructions. Tap Yes when prompted whether you’re satisfied with the modification.

It’s worth noting that you can’t alter a file format to another.

You can’t convert an a.doc file to an a.wav file, for illustration. The first is a text, while the second is a waveform audio format. To allow for the object to open after changing, the two file types must be related or sufficiently comparable.

Alter the File Type Using ‘Save As’

One option for changing a file type is to save it in a different format using an application that enables you to do so. You may transfer your files into various formats using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.) programs, Paint, Text Editor, and so on. This means that as long as the transferred format is connected to the system’s default save format and is selectable from the application’s menu of formats.

You may quickly save a Word document as a PDF or a word document as a BAT file, for instance. Let’s look at an illustration of the former so you can see how it’s done:

  • Launch the file with the application that came with it. Then your next move is to pick the File option from the drop-down menu.
  • Then you need to choose the Save As option.
  • Pick a good place for your file to be saved.
  • Fill in the name of the file beside “Filename” as desired. Then select “Save as type” from the drop-down option next to it.
  • Choose the file format you desire.

Your file’s extension has now been updated. This procedure works with any program that allows you to store your files in multiple formats.

Adjust the File Type by Using Online Services

If you can’t see the data of your file after altering its type, or if you don’t have enough programs to save it as a new kind, there are free online services that can help. They assist in the conversion of one file type to another and, based on the file formats and provider you’re employing may also provide extra choices such as compression to get the file smaller.

It’s impossible to suggest one over the other since there are so many different file formats and internet services to transform them. A bit Of googling should turn up a few relevant websites.

What arises when a file extension is modified?

When you modify the prefix of a file, you’re telling your computer that you’re altering the manner it’s accessed. Therefore, it has no effect on the file’s formatting. For example, if you transfer a file from MPEG (mpg) to PNG or any similar format, it will not automatically get to be an image and load in the Photos Editor.

You may change the file formats to force Windows to access data in a different program. However, if the program is unable to understand the file’s original format, it will return an error. That’s why, after updating the file format, you may be unable to access them.

In Windows 11, how can I establish default programs for different file types?

Changing the file format in which it has been created is generally not suggested since it makes it hard for some programs to understand the file. If you’re merely updating a configuration file to view it in a different program, you may just set the default application for that file type appropriately.

Read the instructions beforehand to modify applications for a file type:

  • To access the Tab, tap Win + I. Then, on the side, toggle bar. Pick Choose a default application for each file format after typing “default app.”
  • You’ll find a large selection of file types for which you may specify default applications here. Look for a file type using the search function.
  • Select the search result by clicking on it.
  • Choose the program you’d desire to use as the default for this file format.
  • If you don’t see an application you like here, select “Other applications” to see more possibilities.

Conclusion

With the procedures described in this post, we wish you were able to convert one file type to another.