To select several files and folders, hold down the Ctrl key when you click the names or icons.

Each name or icon stays highlighted when you click the next one.

To gather several files or folders sitting next to each other in a list, click the first one.

Then hold down the Shift key as you click the last one.

How do you select multiple files?

Select multiple files or folders that are not grouped together

• Click the first file or folder, and then press and hold the Ctrl key.
• While holding down the Ctrl key, click each of the other files or folders you want to select.

Why can’t I select multiple files in Windows Explorer?

Sometimes in Windows Explorer, users may not be able to select more than one file or folder. Using the Select All option, SHIFT + Click or CTRL + Click key combos to select multiple files or folders, may not work. Here is how to fix the single select problem in Windows Explorer.