Windows File Explorer supports checkboxes for ease of selecting multiple files. Here is how to show or hide checkboxes in File Explorer in Windows 11.
File Explorer has always supported selecting multiple files and folders at a time. In fact, there are various ways to choose one or more files and folders. For instance, you can hold down the Shift or Ctrl keys to select files, press “Ctrl + A” to select all items, click and drag the mouse cursor, etc.
Besides all the above methods, File Explorer also supports another simple way to select files and folders. That is using checkboxes. When enabled, Windows 11 shows a checkbox to the left of the file or folder name. Selecting the checkbox will choose that item. To select multiple files, you just have to choose relevant checkboxes.
Thanks to these checkboxes, you don’t have to hold down the Ctrl or Shift keys while selecting multiple items in File Explorer. Simply selecting the checkboxes will do the job. Of course, if you don’t like checkboxes, you can disable them with just a couple of clicks.
This quick and easy how-to guide lets me show you how to show or hide checkboxes in Windows 11 File Explorer.
Table of contents:
Hide checkboxes in Windows 11 File Explorer
The checkboxes in File Explorer are enabled by default in Windows 11. If you want to select multiple files, you have to select the checkboxes. You can disable or hide checkboxes in Windows 11 File Explorer when you don’t need that. Here is how.
- Open the File Explorer with the “Win + E” shortcut.
- Click on the “View” option.
- Choose the “Show > Item check boxes” option.
- With that, the checkboxes in File Explorer are hidden.
- You will no longer see checkboxes in File Explorer.
Note: When the checkboxes are hidden, you will no longer see a checkmark next to the “Item check boxes” option.
Show checkboxes in Windows 11 File Explorer
If you disabled checkboxes for whatever reason, you can enable or show checkboxes in Windows 11 File Explorer with a couple of clicks. Here is how to do it.
- Open the File Explorer with the “Win + E” shortcut.
- Click on the “View” option.
- Choose the “Show > Item check boxes” option.
- With that, File Explorer shows checkboxes.
- It is that simple to show checkboxes in Windows 11 File Explorer.
Note: When File Explorer shows checkboxes, you will see a checkmark next to the “Item check boxes” option.
That is all. It is simple to show or hide checkboxes in Windows 11 File Explorer.
I hope this simple Windows 11 how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
