Changing the file type in Windows is a handy way to make sure that you are able to access the correct program or application when you open a certain file. Depending on your version of Windows, there are different methods you can use to change the type of a file.
In Windows 7 and earlier versions of Windows, you can change a file type by right-clicking the file, selecting Properties, and then clicking the Change button in the General tab. This will open a box containing a list of programs that can be used to open the file. Select a program from the list to assign it as the default program to open the file. You can also choose to always open files with the selected program by selecting the checkbox beside “Always use the selected program to open this kind of file”. Click OK to save your changes.
In Windows 8 and later versions, the process is slightly different. You can change the file type by right-clicking the file, selecting Open With, and then selecting Choose Default Program. A list of all the programs installed on your computer which can be used to open the file will be displayed. Select a program from the list to assign it as the default program to open the file. Check the box next to “Always use this app to open [file type] files” to always open files with the selected program. Click OK to save your changes.
In addition to changing the file type by assigning a new program as its default opener, you can also change the extension of the file manually. To do this, simply select the file, press F2 to rename the file, and then type the new extension at the end of the file name. Make sure to keep the period (.) before the extension. Click Enter to save your changes.
It is important to remember that changing the file type does not actually modify the contents of the file; it simply assigns a program to open it. Additionally, renaming the file incorrectly may cause it to become unreadable or unable to open. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when changing a file type.