how do I convert a .txt file to .ies in win11

Simon Thornton 20 Reputation points
2025-11-11T10:56:45.3333333+00:00

I'm trying to change the file extension from .txt to .ies. In Win 10 it as as simple as rename. Win 11 doesn't seem to recognise it as an ies file although the extension is changed

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Phoebe-N 10,685 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2025-11-11T11:45:01.45+00:00

Hi @Simon Thornton

Welcome to Q&A Community! 

Thank you for contacting us regarding the issue with .ies file recognition in Windows 11. Renaming a file from .txt to .ies changes the extension, but Windows does not automatically associate the new extension with an application. To ensure .ies files open with Notepad by default, please follow the steps below: 

Display File Extensions 

  1. Open File Explorer. 
  2. Select View, then Show, and enable File name extensions.  undefined
  3. Confirm that file extensions are visible so you can rename them accurately. 

Rename the file 

  1. Locate the file you want to convert. 
  2. Right-click the file and select Rename. 
  3. Change the extension from .txt to .ies and confirm the change when prompted. 

Set Default Application for .ies Files 

  1. Open Settings and navigate to Apps > Default apps. 
  2. Scroll down and select Choose defaults by file type. 
  3. Search for .ies in the list.  
    • If .ies appears, select it and choose Notepad as the default application. 
      • If .ies does not appear, proceed to the next step. 

Use the “Open With” Option 

  1. Right-click the .ies file and select Open with > Choose another app. 
  2. Select Notepad from the list of applications. 
  3. Check the box labeled Always use this app to open .ies files. 
  4. Click OK to confirm. 

Note:  It is recommended to create a backup of your file before modifying its extension. Changing a file type may affect how the file functions or is opened by applications. Some files may become unusable or behave unexpectedly after the extension is altered, so please proceed with caution. 

Please let us know if how it works on your part or if you have any other concerns. I am happy to assist you further. 

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  1. Simon Thornton 20 Reputation points
    2025-11-11T11:01:44.0466667+00:00

    Yes, it is the file association I need to correct - at present it doesn't recognise .ies

    How do I add .ies as a default for norepad

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  2. AI answer

    2025-11-11T10:56:58.0733333+00:00

    To convert a .txt file to a .ies file in Windows 11, you can follow these steps:

    1. Rename the File: Right-click on the .txt file and select Rename. Change the extension from .txt to .ies. Make sure to confirm the change if prompted.
    2. File Association: If Windows 11 does not recognize the file as an .ies file after renaming, it may be due to the lack of proper file association for .ies files. You may need to ensure that the application you intend to use for .ies files is installed and properly configured to recognize this file type.
    3. Check File Content: Ensure that the content of the .txt file is appropriate for an .ies file. Simply changing the extension does not convert the file format; it only changes how Windows recognizes it. If the content is not in the correct format for .ies files, the file may not function as expected.

    If you continue to experience issues, consider using a dedicated file conversion tool or software that supports .ies file format to ensure proper conversion.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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