While there are many steps we could take to make Windows work better in a web development process (including installing a web server for Windows) there is one that is vital: revealing the extensions of files.

In an attempt to present a "cleaner" interface, Windows (XP and up) hides file extensions. This is a problem: not only do you not know if a filename is x.jpg or x.jpeg, but it is also possible to forget that Windows is hiding extensions at all, and name a file x.jpeg.jpg.

In order to stop this behaviour, open any folder on the desktop (I prefer to use the Start menu to open Computer, but any folder will do.)

For Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8

1. From the menu bar at the top of the folder window, choose Organise
2. In the menu that appears, choose Folder and search options.
3. In the Folder options window that appears, click on the View tab.
4. Finally, in the Advanced Settings list at the bottom of the window, turn off Hide extensions for known file types and click OK

For Windows 10

Assuming Windows is in Desktop Mode:

1. Click on View at the top of the folder window.
2. On the right of the panel that appears, click on File name extensions and close the window.

While the UI provides the impression that you have only changed the options for the current window, Windows will now show extensions for all file types system-wide.

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