How to Fix the “File Explorer Doesn’t Highlight Selected Files and Folders” Issue
File Explorer is a trusty tool to view, organize, and manage all files stored on the hard disk in a Windows computer. Microsoft recently introduced the tabs feature for File Explorer, a much-needed addition for most of us. But some users share their plight of File Explorer not highlighting the selected files and folders.
After selecting the files, the file count in the status bar increases, but the files are not highlighted as they should be. If you face the same issue, don’t fret! We will list multiple fixes to get the File Explorer back to its normal functioning.
1. Restart File Explorer
File Explorer can glitch and stop behaving properly. However, you can restart it without completely rebooting the system using Task Manager. Here’s how to do it:
2. Perform a Complete System Shutdown
Windows doesn’t undergo a complete shutdown every time you power it off. It is due to the Fast Start-up feature, which preserves the system state of system/kernel level processes using hibernate. So, you must perform a complete shutdown to restart all services, including Windows Explorer, afresh.
Repeat the following steps to perform a complete shutdown:
3. Disable Fast Startup
If you experience the issue again after performing a normal shutdown, disable Fast Startup in the Power plan settings. It will not save the system state of system/kernel level processes and perform a complete shutdown every time.
To disable fast startup on Windows, repeat the following steps:
4. Change the Background Color
Sometimes, you can’t see the files and folder you select because the selection color is the same as the background. So, follow the steps below to change the background color, and hopefully, you can see your selections:
5. Perform a Clean Boot
A background program or service can interfere with the Windows File Explorer and produce GUI issues like this one. You must perform a clean boot and isolate the troublesome service or program.
Here’s how to clean boot your Windows PC:
6. Try the High Contrast Mode
High Contrast mode makes it easy to distinguish borders, highlighted sections, buttons, and links. Press theLeft Alt + Left Shift + Print Screenkeys at once to activate the high-contrast theme on Windows. You will see a pop-up window to confirm your selection. Press the enter key to activate the high-contrast theme on your system. Select multiple files on your system and check if they are correctly highlighted.
7. Update the GPU Driver
Corrupt and outdated GPU drivers can cause all sorts of graphics-related issues. You must update the drivers via Device Manager or download them from the manufacturer’s website.
Repeat the following steps to update GPU drivers using the Device Manager:
8. Roll Back the Last Windows Update
If you are experiencing the file highlighting issue after a recent Windows update, you need to uninstall the update from your system. Here’s how to do it:
9. Run SFC and DISM Scan
If Windows system files are corrupt, running an SFC scan followed by a DISM scan could fix the File Explorer issue. SFC will fix corrupted files, and DISM will repair the Windows installation. Here’s how to do it:
10. Reset Windows
The last resort is toReset Windows. It will delete all the current system files and reinstall the Windows operating system. However, before you do this, ensure that youback up your Windows 10 computer.
Restore File Explorer to Normal
File Explorer is a crucial system tool for managing files and folders. Firstly, restart the Windows Explorer from the Task Manager and perform a complete system shutdown. After that, perform a clean boot and uninstall the latest Windows updates. After that, toggle high contrast mode or use a solid-colored background.
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