In File Explorer, hold Ctrl and select each file you want. To select a row of files, select the first one, hold Shift, and select the last one. Press Ctrl + A to select everything in the folder.
Applies to: Windows 11. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 29, 2026.
Pick files one by one (Ctrl)
- Open the folder in File Explorer.
- Select the first file.
- Hold Ctrl and select each other file you want. Select a file again with Ctrl held to unselect it.
Select a range of files (Shift)
Select the first file, hold Shift, then select the last file. Everything in between is selected too.
Select everything (Ctrl + A)
Press Ctrl + A, or select See more (…) > Select all. To select everything except a few files, press Ctrl + A, then hold Ctrl and select the ones you don’t want.
Drag to select
Click an empty spot and drag a box around the files you want.
Use check boxes (good for touch screens)
- Select View at the top of File Explorer.
- Select Show > Item check boxes.
Now each file has a check box you can tick.
What you can do next
With the files selected, you can copy (Ctrl + C), cut (Ctrl + X), delete (Delete) or zip them all at once. To copy and paste, see how to use the clipboard in Windows 11.
Frequently asked questions
I deleted the wrong files. Can I get them back?
Usually, from the Recycle Bin. See how to recover deleted files in Windows 11.
Can I send several files as one?
Yes. See how to zip and unzip files in Windows 11.
Microsoft’s references are File Explorer in Windows and Keyboard shortcuts in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.