Typically, a single click initiates a user interface action and a double-click extends the action. For example, one click usually selects an item, and a double-click edits the selected item.

When should you double-click or single click on a computer?

Things that are, or act like, hyperlinks, or controls, like buttons, operate with a single click. For objects, like files, one click selects the object. Double click executes the object, if it is executable, or opens it with the default application.

Do I need to double-click?

Rule #1: Don't double-click in a Web browser. ... Part of what makes these “quick” is that they require only one click. In fact, don't double-click anything in the taskbar. Rule #3: Do double-click program icons on your desktop (when you want to run those programs, natch) and files/folders you want to open.