Efficiently change a single file extension in Windows

Question

What is the simplest way of changing a file extension (without messing around with folder view options)?

Oftentimes I have to quickly change the extension of a single file on a Windows PC. I don't like to turn on the option to show file extensions, change the extension, and then turn the option back off. If I forget to turn off the option, the client will not understand how his computer works; this method also involves a lot of clicking. What is the fastest way to change a file extension?

Update
For completness, here the fastest way I have figured out until now:

• Right click in the folder while holding down the Shift key.
• Select Open command window here from the menu.
• Use dir to list the currrent file name with its extension.
• Enter rename [filename].[oldExtension] [filename].[newExtension].

Answer 1

You could try cmdHere (Power Toys) and then using move filename.jpg filename.jpeg. Or you could Press F2 for rename (If it works with disabled extensions!).

But you should enable extensions anyway. As i would think it is a security risk to have them disabled. An attacker could send you an file like "Really Important Filename".exe With an standard icon included in the .exe making it look like an Word, Excel or Text Document. You might then click it unaware of the .exe file format. THIS is an EVIL feature of Windows.

Answer 2

I would recommend using the command-prompt as well, but with either of two different methods.

1. • Open a command-prompt (I like to set the shortcut in Start->Accessories to have a hotkey like Ctrl+Alt+P to make it quick and easy, though Start->Run->cmd.exe works just as well)
   • Type ren "
   • Drag-and-drop the file in question to the command-prompt window
   • type " " (there’s a space between the quotes)
   • Drag-and-drop the file again
   • Press Backspace and change the extension as desired
   • type "
   • Press Enter
   • Close command-prompt

It looks like a lot, but it is actually not and takes about three or so seconds to do (editing the extension is the most time consuming part).

2. (supposed to be 2, markdown limitation)
   • Install a program like Kai Li’us CmdOpen (I prefer this to the older Microsoft PowerToys one because it supports elevated prompts and has the source available)
   • Open a command-prompt in the folder where the file in question is contained (right-click on the window where the file is located and press ‘A’ or select Open command prompt
   • Press Tab a few times until the desired filename is displayed
   • Press Space
   • Press Tab again until the filename is displayed again
   • Edit extension
   • Press Enter

This method is also pretty quick, but if there are a lot of files in the folder, using method one is faster.

Answer 3

To rename a single file via the command prompt via drag-and-drop:

• type cmd into the Explorer address bar to open the command prompt
• type ren then space
• drag-and-drop the file into the command prompt (note: if the path contains spaces, the command prompt will add double quotes for you)
• press space
• drag-and-drop the file again
• remove the directory, modify the extension
• press enter
• type exit and press enter, or use Alt+Space, C, to close the command prompt

e.g. ren C:\MyDir\MyFile.old MyFile.new
e.g. ren "C:\MyDir\My File.old" "My File.new"

Note: This answer is based on Synetech's, but I wanted to clarify handling double quotes and removing the directory from the output path.

Answer 4

Go to folder options and uncheck the option 'hide file extensions'
Now all you have to do is select a file and press f2 and rename the file extension
You can always use command prompt if you are comfortable with it