hidden file extensions by default are to "save" users from renaming files and borking the extension. Later windows UX improved the renaming to help avoid selecting the extension.
file extensions are the mistake here really not them being hidden.
Re:Dotfile Madness
by donatj on Monday October 24, 2022 @08:19AM
(#33315735)
Executability based on extension combined with hidden extensions is imho one of Windows biggest mistakes. Make an exe, give it the icon of a word document - no way for a layperson to know it’s a trick.
file extensions are the mistake here really not them being hidden.