Missing File Extensions When Downloading in Chrome or Edge

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Missing File Extensions When Downloading in Chrome or Edge

Summary:
If you’re prompted to choose where to save a file when downloading, sometimes the file’s extension (like .pdf, .xlsx, .docx) might not be included. This can make it hard for your computer to know which app to open the file with.

Why it Happens

When “Ask where to save each file before downloading” is turned ON, the browser shows the Windows “Save As” dialog. If the website’s filename info isn’t perfect, or if you rename the file without typing the extension, Windows may save it without one.

Quick Fix – Turn Off the Save Prompt

If you’re okay with all downloads going straight to your default Downloads folder, turning off the prompt will prevent missing extensions.

In Chrome

  1. Open Chrome.

  2. Click ⋮ (top-right) → Settings.

  3. Select Downloads in the left menu (or search “Downloads” in Settings).

  4. Toggle Ask where to save each file before downloading → Off.

In Microsoft Edge

  1. Open Edge.

  2. Click ⋯ (top-right) → Settings.

  3. Go to Downloads in the left menu (or search “Downloads” in Settings).

  4. Turn off Ask me what to do with each download.

If You Must Keep the Prompt On

  • When renaming a file in the save dialog, make sure you include the correct file extension (e.g., .pdf, .docx).

  • In the “Save as type” drop-down, select the matching file type instead of “All Files.”

Tip:
If you ever get a file without an extension, you can right-click it → Rename → add the proper extension manually. You may need to show file extensions in Windows Explorer.

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