Being able to select multiple files and folders is so helpful when you want to share, copy or even delete multiple files. It saves so much of our time and effort. Just imagine, how annoying and time-consuming it would have been if we had to share, copy-paste, delete each file or folder one by one.
You know right, that we can select multiple files and folders on our Windows PCs? Oh well, even if you don’t, you are at the right place now. Today, in this post, we will be talking about various methods to select multiple files and folders on your Windows 11/10 PC.
How to select multiple Files and Folders in Windows 11/10
There are several ways to select multiple files and folders on your PC.
Using the Ctrl Key
- Open Windows Explorer by pressing Win+E on your keyboard.
- Select any one of the folders or files you want to select.
- Now press the Ctrl key and keep selecting the files/folders you want to select.
- Make sure you hold the Ctrl key pressed till all your desired files/folders are selected.
Using the cursor
- You can select multiple files and folders by simply dragging your mouse cursor across them
- Make sure you hold the click button until you are done with the selection.
- Release your mouse when all the files/folders are selected.
Using the SHIFT key
- Another method to select multiple files/folders is by using the SHIFT key, but this method can be used only if all your desired files/folders are placed consecutively.
- Select the first file or folder, press the SHIFT key and then go to the last one you want to select.
- Release the SHIFT key and you are done. You can copy, cut, move, delete, rename, and rotate the selected files/folders.
Using Ctrl+A
This is again a simple and good method to select multiple files and folders but you can use this method only when you want to Select all the files or folders.
Read: Cannot select more than one file or folder
How to copy and paste multiple files/folders
Once you select multiple files and folders using one of the above methods, press Ctrl-C to copy them all. Alternatively, right-click and select Copy.
Go to the folder or drive you want to paste these files and folders to and press Ctrl+V, or right-click and select Paste.
How to delete multiple files/folders
After selecting multiple files/folders, you can simply press the Delete button on your keyboard to delete them or right-click and select Delete. You can also use the big red Delete button in the main ribbon menu of File Explorer. If you are using the Delete button from the main menu, you can choose to move those files to the Recycle Bin or Delete them permanently.
Read: Prevent Cut, Paste, Copy, Delete, Re-naming of files & folders
How to rename Multiple Files/Folders
Yes, you can rename multiple files and folders on your Windows PC in just a single click. Select all the files or folders you want to rename using any of the above-mentioned methods, right-click and click on the Rename or click on Show more options and select Rename from the dropdown menu,
Rename any one file and others will automatically be renamed accordingly. For example, if you choose the name ‘a’ for one file, the rest of them will automatically be renamed as a1, a2, and so on.
How to create a video with multiple files
- Select the files you want to create a video with, right-click and click on Show more options.
- Select Create Video and all your selected pictures/videos will open in the Photos app.
- You can then name your video, edit the slides, and add effects and transitions too.
How to drag and drop multiple files at once
Select the first file, press and hold the Ctrl key, and select the rest of the files. When all your files are selected, you can release the Ctrl key. Now hold all the selected/highlighted items with the left click and move the cursor to drag these files. Take the cursor to the place you want to drop these files and release the left click.
How do I select all files in a folder?
You can press Ctrl+A to select all files in a folder. If your keyboard is not working, select the first file, press and hold the SHIFT key and select the last file. You can also use the cursor method to select all files in a folder. Select the first file, press the left-click on your mouse, and move the cursor across all files in the folder until you cover all the files. Release the left click and this is how you can select all files in a folder.
