Selecting multiple files in File Explorer can be one of the most aggravating tasks one can perform in Microsoft Windows.
You hold down the Ctrl key and start clicking on filenames, only to find yourself accidentally creating a ton of duplicate files because of an errant click and drag sequence.
And the task is even more difficult if your hands are shaky or you have difficulty controlling the mouse pointer.
If you use Windows 7, 8, or 10, there’s an easier way to select multiple files without making those insidious accidental copies or getting all the way to the bottom of the list of files only to “lose” your selections by making an errant click.
All you have to do is enable Check Boxes. Here’s how:
In Windows 7…
1 – Press the Windows+E key combination to open Windows Explorer.
2 – Click Organize>Folder and search options.
3 – Select the View tab.
4 – Check the box beside Use check boxes to select items.
5 – Click Apply, then click Ok.
Check boxes should now be enabled. From now on you can hover your mouse over a file that you wish to select to display a small check box. Check the box and that file will remain selected while you make your other selections.
Once you have finished, you can perform your Copy, Cut or other task on the selected files. The screenshot at the bottom of the page shows a folder with several files selected.
In Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10…
1 – Press the Windows+E key combination to open File Explorer.
2 – Select the View tab.
3 – Check the box beside Item check boxes.
Check boxes should now be enabled. From now on you can hover your mouse over a file that you wish to select to display a small check box. Check the box and that file will remain selected while you make your other selections.
Once you have finished checking the boxes beside the files you wish to perform the action on, you can do your Copy, Cut or other task on the selected files.
Bonus tip #1: This post explains how to make File Explorer default to ‘This PC’ in Windows 10.
Bonus tip #2: Want to make sure you never miss one of my tips? It’s easy! Just…
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