However, many users aren’t able to extract maximum benefits from this feature. Some of them have voiced their concern that they are unable to select multiple files at once on their ur Windows 11 PC. If you are also in the same bat, then fret not. In this tutorial, we will list out the steps to fix the issue of being unable to select multiple files at once on your Windows 11. Follow along.
How to Fix Cannot Select Multiple Files in Windows 11
It is recommended that you try out each of the below-mentioned workarounds and then see which one spells out success for you. So with that in mind, let’s get started.
FIX 1: Restart PC
In most cases, a restart is all that is needed to resolve this underlying issue and it could well resolve the bug that we are currently dealing with. So give your Windows 11 PC a reboot and check if you are now able to select multiple files or not.
FIX 2: Verify Keyboard Issues
When it comes to selecting multiple files at once, Ctrl and Shift are usually the two keys that users opt for. However, if the keys aren’t working along the expected lines, then there is bound to be issues in carrying out the said task. So let’s verify first whether it is a hardware issue or a software one and then act accordingly.
FIX 3: Reset Folder View
If you have made any tweaks to the File Explorer, especially to the file/folder settings, then it could also prove to be the culprit behind the current issue. So you should consider resetting all those customizations back to their default state. Here’s how it could be done-
FIX 4: Delete Temporary Files
In some instances, the temporarily stored files could lead to a few conflicts with the proper functioning of your PC. Therefore, you should consider deleting these cached files and then test out the results.
FIX 5: Use the File and Folder Troubleshooter
Windows has quite a few troubleshooter apps, and one of them focuses specifically on issues with files and folders. However, this troubleshooter isn’t provided along with the OS. You will instead have to grab it from the Microsoft site and then test it out.
FIX 6: Boot to Safe Mode
In some instances, a third-party app might conflict with the OS functionality as well. The best way to verify and hence rectify this issue is to boot your PC to the Safe Mode. Doing so will disable all the third-party apps and give you the stock environment with just the system apps. If you are able to select multiple files in this mode, then the culprit is an app or software. Therefore, you should consider uninstalling the recently installed apps after which the issue first came to light. Here’s how:
FIX 7: Disable Third-Party Service
A third-party service could also create a few roadblocks in the functioning of this feature. Therefore, you should consider disabling all the non-Microsoft-related services and then test out the results. Here’s how it could be done
FIX 8: Use SFC and DISM Commands
System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing and Management are two command-line utility tools that scan for corrupt Windows files and then replace them with their working counterpart. The major difference between the two is whereas the SFC replaces the corrupt files with the working ones from the cached directory on your PC, DISM does so by downloading the working files from the online Microsoft servers. And as of now, we would be making use of both these tools to fix the underlying issue.
FIX 9: Use a Restore Point
If none of the aforementioned methods spelled out success, then you should consider restoring your system to an earlier point during which it was free from this issue. Here’s how it could be done So with this, we round off the guide on how you could fix the issue of being unable to select multiple files at once in Windows 11. We have listed nine different methods for the same. Do let us know in the comments section which one spelled out success for you. Likewise, all your queries are welcomed in the comments below.
Enable and Use Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter in Windows 11Add ‘Create Restore Point’ in Windows 11 Right-Click menuDisable Show More Options in Windows 11 Context MenuHow to Block Files, Folders, and Apps from being accessed in Windows 11
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