Windows Explorer Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

How to make selecting multiple files in ‘File Explorer’ a lot easier

Posted on May 7, 2025

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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. [Read more…]

How to format a USB flash drive that doesn’t show up in Windows Explorer

Posted on March 3, 2015

I frequently receive emails and messages from folks asking why their USB flash drive isn’t showing up in Windows Explorer (File Explorer for Windows 8 users).

This typically occurs after something happens to the drive’s file structure that makes the drive unrecognizable as a valid drive to the Windows Explorer utility.

Luckily, this can be fixed as long as there isn’t a problem with the physical drive itself. Follow these steps to format a USB flash drive that doesn’t show up in Windows Explorer: [Read more…]

How to place icons for Control Panel and File Explorer on the Windows Desktop

Posted on April 7, 2014

microsoft-windows If you access the Control Panel and File Explorer as often as I do, clicking an icon on the Desktop to access them can be a real time saver. I do it all the time.

Although accessing either of these essential tools is faster and easier than ever before in the latest versions of Windows, there’s absolutely nothing faster than just clicking on an icon.

It’s actually quite easy to add File Explorer and Control Panel icons to the Desktop in Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1. Here’s how: [Read more…]

How to create a Desktop shortcut to any folder

Posted on April 18, 2013

microsoft-windows Do you open the “Computer” utility and navigate to the same folder on a regular basis? If so, why not create a shortcut to that folder and place it on the Desktop?

One the shortcut to your favorite folder is on your desktop, you can double-click on it Windows will open that folder immediately instead of you having to navigate to it every time.

This might seem like a trivial matter, but if you open the same folder several times a day, having a shortcut to it can be a real time saver.

Here’s how to create a Desktop shortcut to a specific folder: [Read more…]