WinExplorer: unselect via keyboard shortcut

[jazzman]

When displaying a folder's content in Windows Explorer and having highlighted one or several items in that folder, I am looking for a keyboard shortcut to unselect all items.

In WinXP F5 (update) did that, albeit inelegantly. In Win7 I can't find a keystroke combination or how to set up such a functionality.

Anyone know a solution to that?

Many thanks,
jazzman

[HansV]

Welcome to Eileen's Lounge!

F5 still works for me in Windows 7 (Home Premium) - it refreshes the folder view, clearing the selection.

[Rudi]

Hi,

Welcome to the lounge.

I am using Win8.1 and I notice that F5 deselects the selected files.
I can also press the Home key to deactivate the selection and return to the first file.

[jazzman]

Thanks for your quick replies. - I just checked again: for me F5 refreshes the folder, but does not deselect files/folders.
The "Home/POS1" key selects the first item in the folder.

I'll check again on my office computer tomorrow.

Cheers,
jazzman

[Rudi]

Another option is SHIFT+TAB, and then ENTER

[jazzman]

Sorry, it's taken a bit longer. - The same situation on my office computer (also Win7)

However I have found out that, when two or more items are selected, F5 still works, as does CTRL+R.
With only one item selected these don't have the desired effect.

So, my current workaround is CTRL+A and then CTRL+R, given that there are at least two items in the folder.

[Rudi]

Glad you found a solution that works for you.

[HansV]

You're correct that F5 does not work if a single file is selected. In that situation, you can use Ctrl+Spacebar.

[jazzman]

You're correct that F5 does not work if a single file is selected. In that situation, you can use Ctrl+Spacebar.

Ah, thanks Hans, good - that works. Pity that it doesn't work for multiple selections. Well, l'll see what suits me best in day-to-day usage.

beerchug.gif