While copying, moving, or managing files and folders on your Windows 11 computer, sometimes you might want to select multiple files or folders, or both, at once. For instance, while copying files to a USB drive, you might want to select specific files and folders instead of all files in the location. Likewise, while deleting files or folders, you might want to select only specific files that are no longer required.
Users who have been using Windows for a long time probably know how to select multiple files, but what most users do not know is that there are multiple methods available to select multiple files/folders in Windows 11.
The following are the five methods available to select multiple files and folders on a Windows 11 PC.
Method 1 of 5
Use the Ctrl key to select specific files or folders in Windows 11
Step 1: While selecting files or folders that are not adjacent to each other, hold down the Ctrl key and then click on the files/folders that you want to select.
Method 2 of 5
Use only keyboard shortcuts to select multiple files or folders in Windows 11
Step 1: Use the arrow keys to move between files and folders. Select a file or folder with the help of the up, down, left, and right arrow keys.
Step 2: Next, press and hold the Ctrl key. Now, use the arrow keys to highlight the file/folder that you would like to select and then press the Spacebar key to select it. Once again, use the arrow keys to highlight the file or folder you wish to select and then press the Spacebar key again to select it. Repeat this to select all files and folders. Note that you should release the Ctrl key only after all files and folders are selected.
Method 3 of 3
Use the Shift key to select multiple files that are in order
The Shift key can be used to select multiple files or folders or both that are in a sequence.
Step 1: In a folder, hold down the Shift key, click on the first file in the order, and then click on the last file that you would like to select in the order to select the first and last and all other files in between them.
Method 4 of 4
Use the checkbox feature in File Explorer to select multiple files/folders in Windows 11
Step 1: The checkbox feature is not enabled by default. So, we need to turn it on by opening File Explorer Options and then selecting the Use checkboxes to select items option in the View (refer to the picture below) tab. Click the Apply button to enable the feature.
Step 2: File Explorer now shows checkboxes next to all files and folders when you hover the mouse cursor over them. To select multiple files and folders, you just need to select the checkboxes next to them. The feature is handy, especially for touch devices.
Method 5 of 5
Select all files and folders at once in Windows 11
You are probably already aware of this feature. For new Windows users, you may use the Ctrl + A keyboard shortcut to select all files and folders in a folder immediately. Alternatively, you may hold and drag the mouse cursor to quickly select all files.
Our how to fix the not working File Explorer in Windows 11 guide might also interest you.
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