Use check boxes to select multiple files in Windows

Updated: 04/26/2017 by Computer Hope

Microsoft Windows allows users to have check boxes next to each file in Windows Explorer. Check boxes make it easier and faster to select, copy, cut, and delete multiple files. Follow the steps below to enable this feature on your computer.

  1. Open Windows Explorer by pressing the Windows key+E.
  2. In Windows Explorer, click Tools and then Folder Options.
  3. In Folder Options, click the View tab.
  4. In the View tab, scroll down and check the Use check boxes to select items option.

Windows file checkbox

  1. Click Apply and then OK to save the change.

Once enabled, in Windows Explorer, a check box is displayed for each file or folder to the left of the name. Below is an example of this feature enabled in Windows Explorer and some check boxes checked.

Windows Explorer checkboxes checked

Bonus tip

Press Ctrl to select multiple files, without using checkboxes.

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