How to Select Multiple Files on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 4, 2025

Selecting multiple files at once is one of those basic but essential skills that can save you tons of time on Windows 11. Whether you’re moving photos, deleting old documents, or copying a group of files, knowing the right selection techniques will make your workflow smoother and faster.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to select multiple files on Windows 11 step by step using various methods—from the classic mouse-and-keyboard combo to advanced selection tricks.

Why Learn to Select Multiple Files?

Here’s why this skill is important:

  • Save time: No more selecting files one by one.

  • Improve productivity: Organize files in bulk with ease.

  • Reduce errors: Avoid accidentally skipping or misplacing files.

  • Make bulk actions easier: Copy, cut, move, delete, or rename multiple files simultaneously.

Method 1: Select Multiple Files Using the Mouse (Click & Drag)

This is the simplest method for selecting files located next to each other.

Steps:

  1. Open the folder containing your files.

  2. Click and hold the left mouse button outside the first file.

  3. Drag your mouse to create a selection box around the files.

  4. Release the mouse button.
    All highlighted files are now selected.

Method 2: Select Multiple Files Using the Shift Key

The Shift key is best for selecting a continuous range of files.

Steps:

  1. Click the first file in the sequence.

  2. Hold down the Shift key.

  3. Click the last file in the range.

  4. Windows 11 will select all files between the first and last file.

Method 3: Select Multiple Files Using the Ctrl Key

The Ctrl key is ideal for selecting non-adjacent (scattered) files.

Steps:

  1. Hold the Ctrl key.

  2. Click each file you want to select individually.

  3. Release the Ctrl key when finished.

Method 4: Select All Files in a Folder

Want to select everything at once?

Two ways:

  1. Keyboard Shortcut: Press Ctrl + A to select all files instantly.

  2. Mouse Method: Right-click in the folder → Select Select All.

Method 5: Select Multiple Files Using File Explorer Checkboxes

Windows 11 allows you to enable selection checkboxes.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Click the View menu → Choose Show → Item check boxes.

  3. A checkbox will appear next to each file.

  4. Tick the boxes of files you want to select.

Method 6: Select Files in Different Folders (Multi-Folder Selection)

To move or copy files from multiple folders:

  1. Open multiple File Explorer windows.

  2. Use Ctrl or Shift to select files in each window.

  3. Drag them into a new folder or right-click → Copy/Cut → Paste.

Method 7: Using Keyboard Navigation for File Selection

Perfect for those who prefer not to use a mouse.

  1. Open the folder.

  2. Use Arrow keys to navigate.

  3. Press Spacebar or Ctrl + Space to select files.

  4. Use Shift + Arrow keys to select a range.

Method 8: Select Files by Type or Filter

Want to select only certain file types (e.g., all .jpg images)?

  1. Open the folder.

  2. Type *.jpg in the search bar.

  3. Press Ctrl + A to select all matching files.

Method 9: Select Multiple Files on Desktop

Same principles apply:

  • Ctrl + Click: Pick specific icons.

  • Click + Drag: Highlight multiple items.

  • Ctrl + A: Select everything on the desktop.

Method 10: Select Files Using Touchscreen on Windows 11 Tablets

If you’re on a touch-enabled device:

  1. Tap and hold the first file until a checkmark appears.

  2. Tap other files to select them.

  3. Use Select All if available.

Tips for Selecting Multiple Files Efficiently

  • Use Ctrl + Click when files are scattered.

  • Combine Shift and Ctrl for complex selections.

  • Enable checkboxes if you frequently manage large folders.

  • Avoid selecting too many files at once if your system is slow.

Common Problems and Fixes

  • Accidentally deselecting files?

    • Don’t click outside the selection—hold Ctrl to keep it active.

  • Can’t select files?

    • Make sure the folder is not in “Read-only” mode or controlled by admin permissions.

  • Selection keeps resetting?

    • Refresh File Explorer (F5) and try again.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to select multiple files in Windows 11 isn’t just about convenience—it’s about efficiency. Whether you’re cleaning up your PC, transferring data, or managing large collections of media, these methods give you complete control over your file management workflow.

FAQs

1. Can I select multiple files using only the keyboard?
Yes, use Ctrl + Space or Shift + Arrow keys.

2. How do I deselect a file without losing the selection?
Hold Ctrl and click the file again.

3. Can I select multiple files of different types at once?
Yes, use Ctrl + Click or enable checkboxes.

4. Does selecting too many files at once slow down my PC?
It may if the folder contains thousands of large files.

5. Can I select multiple files across different drives?
Yes, but you need to open them in separate windows or tabs.

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