Introduction
Greetings, readers! Welcome to our comprehensive guide on resolving the perplexing issue of File Explorer’s inability to highlight selected files and folders. This common annoyance can hamper your productivity and efficiency, especially when managing large volumes of files. Fear not, as we will delve into the underlying causes and provide step-by-step solutions to restore File Explorer’s highlighting functionality.
Uncover the Causes
Faulty File Explorer Settings
The most common culprit behind this issue lies within the settings of File Explorer itself. Certain settings, when misconfigured, can interfere with the highlighting feature.
Corrupted System Files
In rare cases, corrupted system files can disrupt File Explorer’s functionality, including the highlighting functionality. Corruptions can occur due to malware infections, improper software installations, or unexpected system shutdowns.
Third-Party Add-ons
Third-party add-ons and extensions installed in File Explorer can sometimes cause conflicts, leading to the loss of highlighting. These add-ons may alter File Explorer’s behavior unintentionally.
Troubleshooting Solutions
Adjust File Explorer Settings
- Open File Explorer.
- Click "View" in the top menu bar.
- Under "Options," select "Change folder and search options."
- In the "General" tab, ensure that the "Click items as soon as I point to them" checkbox is not selected.
- Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
Repair Corrupted System Files
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type "sfc /scannow" and press Enter.
- The System File Checker will scan and repair any corrupted system files. This process may take several minutes.
Disable Third-Party Add-ons
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the "Add-ons" tab.
- Disable all active add-ons.
- Restart File Explorer.
Troubleshooting Table
| Troubleshooting Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Adjust File Explorer Settings | Modify settings related to item selection. |
| Repair Corrupted System Files | Run the System File Checker to repair corrupted system files. |
| Disable Third-Party Add-ons | Disable add-ons that may interfere with highlighting functionality. |
Conclusion
We hope this guide has successfully resolved the issue of File Explorer not highlighting selected files and folders. By following these steps, you can restore the full functionality of File Explorer and enhance your productivity. If you encounter any further difficulties, remember that we have a wealth of other articles on various topics that may be of assistance. Explore our website to discover more helpful guides and solutions.
FAQ About File Explorer Doesn’t Highlight Selected Files and Folders
Why is File Explorer not highlighting selected files and folders?
File Explorer may not highlight selected files and folders due to a variety of reasons, including registry issues, corrupt system files, or outdated drivers.
How can I fix File Explorer’s highlighting issue?
- Restart Windows.
- Ensure that your File Explorer window is focused and not minimized.
- Check if the selected files/folders are in a hidden state.
- Reinstall the latest graphics drivers.
- Run a System File Checker scan.
- Make sure that your graphics card is not overclocked.
- Disable any third-party File Explorer extensions.
- Perform a clean boot.
- Check for Windows updates.
What if the selected files/folders are still not highlighted?
If you have tried all of the above steps and the highlighting issue persists, it may be indicative of a deeper system issue. You may need to perform a system restore or reset your PC.
Can I highlight selected files/folders using a keyboard shortcut?
Yes, you can use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + A" to select all files and folders in the current directory. Alternatively, you can use "Shift + Tab" to navigate to a specific file/folder and then press "Space" to select it.
How can I make the highlight color more visible?
You can adjust the highlight color and opacity in the Windows Registry. However, it is recommended to back up your registry before making any changes.
What is the default highlight color?
The default highlight color in Windows is blue.
Can I change the highlight color to something else?
Yes, you can change the highlight color by modifying the Windows Registry. However, it is recommended to back up your registry before making any changes.
How can I restore the default highlight color?
To restore the default highlight color, you can delete the "Explorer" key in the Windows Registry. However, it is recommended to back up your registry before making any changes.
What should I do if I am still experiencing the highlighting issue?
If you have tried all of the above steps and still encounter the highlighting issue, it is recommended to contact Microsoft support for further assistance.
