Windows: Single-click Open File

By Xah Lee. Date: . Last updated: .

Double-click is from the 1990s. It should be ban'd. Here's how to setup single-click to open files.

You need to stick with it for a week. I first tried it for few days, got annoyed, switched back. But after a month i gave it another try, and this time stick with it. Now i've been using single-click for 10 years, am happy with it.

To turn on single-click in Windows, just go to Control Panel, Folder Options.

Press ❖ Window key (or ❖ Window+r), then type “control panel” to open it.

Windows10 Control Panel 2020-04-10 zh66s
Windows 10 Control Panel

Double click “File Explorer Options”

Windows folder options
Windows folder options

Turn on checkbox for selecting files.

Windows file selection checkbox
Folder Options. (In “Control Panel”, then “Folder Options”. (Windows 7 and Vista)) You can also turn on a check box visual indicator for file selection.

How to Select Single File

Hover mouse over item will automatically select it.

How to Select Multiple Files

To select multiple files, hold down Ctrl and hover or click.

Single Click Open File

If you have a question, put $5 at patreon and message me.

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