Tip of the week # 482
1 May 2016


Add check boxes to make it easier to select multiple files (Windows 7) *

Anybody who ever attended one of my courses or is an astute reader of my tip of the week, knows I absolutely love keyboard shortcuts and that I am always on the lookout for new ones, especially if they are intuitive. Well, this week is for those people who prefer to use their mouse. It will help them to select multiple files, without having to hold down the CTRL key while clicking.

Here's how:

  1. Press the WIN key (or click on the Start button if you must).
  2. Type folder options.
  3. Press ENTER.
  4. Press CTRL + TAB to open the View tab. (I know, I know, this is a tip about how not to use your keyboard, but I cannot help myself!)
  5. Scroll down the alphabetical list and tick the Use check boxes to select items box.
  6. Click OK.

In future, in Windows Explorer (WIN + E, anyone) you will see check boxes next to your items, making it easy to select multiple files or folders. And if you want, you can still hold down the CTRL to select multiple items, without using the check boxes.


* Unless stated otherwise, these tips were written for Microsoft Office 2010.