If you recently set up a new Windows 11 computer or applied a major system update, you may have noticed an annoying new visual element in File Explorer. Whenever you hover your mouse over a file or folder, a small, empty checkbox appears in the top-left corner of the icon. If you select multiple files, a sea of blue checkmarks clutters your screen.
Microsoft enabled this feature by default to make multi-selecting files easier for touchscreen tablet users. However, if you are using a standard mouse and keyboard, you can simply hold the Ctrl key to select multiple files, making these checkboxes entirely redundant and visually distracting. You can easily turn them off.
How to Remove Item Checkboxes in File Explorer
You can disable these checkboxes directly from the File Explorer View menu.
- Open File Explorer (press Windows Key + E).
- Look at the command bar at the very top of the File Explorer window.
- Click on the View button (it has a small drop-down arrow next to it).
- In the drop-down menu that appears, hover your mouse over the Show option at the very bottom.
- A secondary fly-out menu will appear. Look for the option labelled Item check boxes.
- You will notice it currently has a checkmark next to it. Click on Item check boxes to deselect it.
The change applies immediately across your entire system. Hovering over files and folders will no longer produce the floating checkbox in the corner, returning your File Explorer to the clean, classic look you are accustomed to. If you ever purchase a touchscreen monitor and need them back, simply repeat the steps and re-check the box.