Select all in Windows 11: shortcuts and tricks no one tells you about

If you've come this far because you're looking for How to select all in Windows 11You're in the right place. The winning combination now is Ctrl + AAnd it's important to understand why some users remember a different key and what additional shortcuts save you time on a daily basis.

Many were coming from Windows 10, accustomed to pressing Ctrl+E to select all items in Explorer or apps like Paint. In Windows 11 that custom changedMicrosoft aligned the system with the universal standard of numerous applications and platforms, so selecting everything is now done with Ctrl+A. Other classic shortcuts like Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, and Ctrl+X continue to work exactly the same as always.

Select all in Windows 11: quick and reliable options

In most system windows and applications, the direct way to select all in Windows 11 is to press Ctrl+A. It's the shortcut to select everything by default. This feature is available in File Explorer, text editors, web browsers, and many other utilities. If you use a touchscreen or prefer a mouse, you can also access the "Select All" option in the context menu within each folder.

File Explorer itself offers the Select All action on its ribbon in the Home tab. It's a very convenient alternative with a mouse and especially practical when managing large batches of documents or photos.

If your previous PC had a Latin American Spanish keyboard and Ctrl+E worked, don't panic: it's not a language issue. The decision is one of design in Windows 11 and it affects different keyboard layouts equally. Several users and advisors in the Microsoft community have indicated that the old behavior is not available in Windows 11 and that the recommended method is Ctrl+A.

Basic shortcuts worth mastering

Beyond selecting everything in Windows 11, there are combinations you'll use daily. Memorizing them will make you faster in any task:

• Ctrl + C copy, Ctrl + V glue and Ctrl + X Cut. The essential trio.
• Ctrl + Z undo and Ctrl + Y redo to correct effortlessly.
• Alt + Tab Switch between open apps without leaving the keyboard.
• Alt + F4 Close the active window instantly.
• Ctrl + Shift + Esc Open the Task Manager directly.
• F2 Rename the selected item without intermediate menus.

Select in Explorer: useful tricks and combinations

In addition to the ubiquitous Ctrl+A, Explorer offers several very handy keys. Press Windows+E to open it Immediately from anywhere. Once inside:

• Alt + Enter Opens the properties of the selected file or folder.
• Ctrl + Shift + N creates a new folder on the fly.
• F11 Toggle the Explorer window to full screen or exit it.

What if we don't want to select everything in Windows 11? You can also combine click with Shift for contiguous ranges or use Ctrl while clicking to select loose, non-contiguous files. It is ideal for custom selections inside folders with a large number of files.

How to select everything in Windows 11 when working with a lot of content

For folders full of files, Ctrl+A is still the fastest way. If you prefer to use the context menuRight-click inside the folder and choose the Select All action. Both options work equally well for preparing a copy, moving to another location (for example, change default download location) or delete in bulk.

In documents or web pages, the behavior is the same: Ctrl+A highlights all the content in the workspace. You avoid dragging the mouse for miles. and you reduce errors by not stopping halfway through a long selection.

What happened to Ctrl+E and why is it now Ctrl+A?

In Windows 10, in some Spanish applications and contexts, Ctrl+E coincided with the action of selecting all. Windows 11 standardizes the experience with Ctrl+A, which is consistent with what most suites and systems use. In forums and community replies, it was mentioned that certain cases in Spanish might be a one-off bug that would be fixed with updates.

Regardless of your distribution, the important thing is that in Windows 11 the behavior is consistent: If you need to select everything, press Ctrl+AIt is more universal, more predictable, and avoids surprises when switching between programs.

Captures, recordings and visual selection

Often, selecting everything is linked to capturing or documenting something. For complete automatic capture, use Windows+Print Screen and the image is saved automatically In Images, Screenshots. If you need a specific selection, Windows+Shift+S opens the contextual snipping tool with various selection options.

When you want to demonstrate a process, you can record a portion of the screen with Windows+Shift+Rwhich opens the Snipping Tool in recording mode and saves an MP4 to Videos, Screen Recordings. And if you prefer the gaming ecosystem, Windows+G and Windows+Alt+R They give you recording from the Game Bar.

Search, project, and other access options that fit your workflow

After selecting everything in Windows 11, the usual thing to do is copy or move, but you might also be interested in searching or sharing. Windows+S or Windows+Q launches search instantly; Windows+P opens the options to project onto another screen; and with Windows+K you have the menu to connect wirelessly to compatible monitors.

If you work with texts, symbols, and dictation, Windows+. Open the panel of emojis and symbols, while Windows+H activates voice dictationThey are small shortcuts that greatly speed up daily life.

Windows and desktops: keeping everything under control

Selecting everything in Windows 11 is just part of productivity. Mastering anchoring with arrows (Windows+Left or Right Arrow) and quick maximize or minimize (Windows+Up or Down Arrow) lets you get organized instantly.

If you use more than one monitor, move the active window between screens with Windows+Shift+Left or Right ArrowAnd when your desk isn't big enough, Windows+Ctrl+D creates a virtual oneWindows+Ctrl+Arrows lets you jump between desktops, and Windows+Ctrl+F4 closes the one you no longer need.

Advanced tips and third-party tools

If you handle large volumes of data, you might want to automate the process. In Windows, the command line allows you to list and copy data in bulk. standard commands and wildcardsIn macOS, Terminal offers equivalent utilities for listing and copying all the contents of one folder to another.

When you're looking for even more power, third-party file managers like Total Commander or Directory Opus (on Windows) or Path Finder and ForkLift (on macOS) provide filter selections, dual panes, and advanced rules. They are ideal for professional workflows where massive operations are commonplace.

Details that make a difference

• When holding down the Windows key, remember that the idea is not to release it until you press the secondary key and release them at the same time. If you only touch Windows, you will open Start.It seems obvious, but internalizing it prevents false positives when moving quickly across the keyboard.
• There are some very useful switches that are worth activating from Settings. For example, the clipboard history associated with Windows+V It comes disabled; once you enable it, you can paste recent items without repeating actions. The same applies to the Windows+Ctrl+C color filters if you need visual accessibility.
• If you work with audio, don't forget Press Windows+Ctrl+V to open the sound output page In Quick Settings. From there you can change devices, adjust spatial sound, and manage the volume mixer without opening additional panels.
• For those who use HDR, Windows+Alt+B quickly toggles high dynamic range. When you switch from desktop to games or video, and if you use Copilot you can customize the behavior of Windows+C in Settings > Personalization > Text input > Customize the Copilot key on the keyboard.

With all of the above in your backpack, selecting everything and moving around Windows 11 is a piece of cake. Adopt Ctrl+A as your natural gestureUse the context menu when it suits you best, and combine Windows key shortcuts to chain actions together like a shot: select, copy, switch desktops, pin windows, paste, and move on to the next thing without missing a beat.