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How to Select Multiple Files at Once

Tap a method to see how it works.

Click the first file, then hold Shift and click the last file β€” every file in between is selected at once.

Hold Ctrl and click each file you want individually to select multiple files that aren't next to each other.

Press Ctrl+A to instantly select every file in the current folder.

Drag the selected files to another folder to move them, or use Ctrl+C to copy and Ctrl+V to paste them.

Handle dozens of files at once, not one by one

When you need to organize dozens of files, using Shift and Ctrl to select multiple files at once and move or copy them together saves a significant amount of time compared to handling each one individually.

The same idea works on a Mac too

On macOS, the equivalent shortcuts use Cmd instead of Ctrl β€” Shift-click for a consecutive range and Cmd-click for scattered files β€” so the same selection logic carries over even if you switch between a Windows PC and a Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine Shift and Ctrl together?

Yes β€” select a range with Shift first, then hold Ctrl to add or remove specific files from that selection.

I accidentally moved files to the wrong folder.

Pressing Ctrl+Z immediately undoes the last move or copy action and restores the files to their original location.