When working at a computer, the mouse may fail at the most inopportune moment, or it will be processing a large array of files. In this case, the keyboard will help you fix the situation. How to solve the tasks with its help, you will learn from our article.

Keyboard Features
The content of the article
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Keyboard Features
- How to select folders using the keyboard
- How to select all files in a folder by keyboard
- How to select multiple photos using the keyboard
The functionality of the keys is so extensive that it allows you to completely replace a failed or insufficiently effective manipulator. There are three options for working in the absence of a mouse: the use of "hot" keys, the simulation mode and their combination.
The first method is the most common, since the keyboard appeared before computer mice and initially had a high potential for use.
A special mode called "emulation", with its help the keyboard completely simulates the movements of the manipulator. In this case, the usual functions of the mouse are replaced by keyboard analogs. To activate the tool, we use the combination: left Alt + left Shift + NumLock. In the window that opens, proceed in the following order:
- To change the parameters, follow the link to the accessibility center and configure the indicators at your discretion. Be sure to use the option “Enable control of the mouse pointer with the keyboard”. Save changes.
- Or, if you do not need to change the settings, just activate the “YES” button with Alt + L (press Y to cancel), the simulation mode is started.
If the functionality works, a mouse icon will appear in the tray.
To temporarily suspend work, use the NumLock command. Pressing the key again activates the process. To return to using the manipulator, once again press the left Alt + left Shift + NumLock.
IMPORTANT. Older Windows systems support simulation on the right digital block; the main area of buttons (left) is not involved. However, modern operating systems (for example, Windows 7) allow you to turn on the simulation and simultaneously work with both the mouse and the main part of the keys, which makes the work as convenient and fast as possible.
How to select folders using the keyboard
The procedure for using the main keyboard row:
- First, find the folders on the disk. To enter the desired section, press the Win (Start) key and use the direction arrows to go to My computer, and then - open the desired disk, move the cursor in the form of a rectangle to the desired folders, press Enter to designate the first of them.
There are three ways to select objects:
- The command left Ctrl + A, allows you to cover all the folders in the window.
- The combination of Shift + direction arrows indicates a series of objects in series,
- A selection method if you mark several separate elements. Press Ctrl and do not release it, use the arrows to move to the necessary objects and mark them with a space.

In emulation mode:
- We move the cursor to the desired folders with the corresponding buttons with the numeric buttons, except for 0 and 5. The longer the press, the higher the speed of movement. Command Ctrl (Shift) accelerates (slows down) the movement.
- Next, you can combine the actions of the simulator with the above methods of designating folders. In this case, the left mouse button is replaced by the number 5, the “-" sign functions as the right button.
IMPORTANT. The possible number of distinguished objects depends on the chosen method of their representation (tile, table, huge icons, etc.). Methods are most effective when choosing a tile, as they allow you to cover the maximum number of elements.
How to select all files in a folder by keyboard
Using the arrows, we go into the desired folder using the Enter key. Move the pointer to the first desired file and select it with the same key.
Next, we use a method that depends on the location of the necessary elements:
- Ctrl + A (or Shift + Page Down) selects all the objects in the window,
- Ctrl + Shift + Home (or Shift + Page UP) is applied if the cursor is at the very bottom of the list.
ATTENTION. All actions can be performed in the Russian layout, but using English characters and letters.

How to select multiple photos using the keyboard
When a lot of photos are stored in the PC’s memory, it’s much more convenient to control them using the keys than using the mouse.
- Hold Shift and use the left (right) arrows to alternately mark the objects, this method is suitable for a small number and sequential arrangement. The same method in combination with the up (down) arrows indicates stitches.

- If the elements are in different areas of the window, then use the Ctrl command on the first selected image, do not release the button and use the arrows to move the cursor to the following elements, highlight them a space. To cancel the designation, press the spacebar again. Skipped objects will not be highlighted.
- Alternatively, apply the selection of all images, Ctrl + A, and then with a space, remove the selection of unnecessary objects. This method is suitable if 2-3 units are superfluous from a large number of elements.

In all cases, to complete the process, release the main key.
In the emulation mode, we combine the work of the “mouse” and the above combinations, which will significantly speed up the process.
ON A NOTE. For convenience, you can rename objects, for example, by putting a number at the beginning of each name. As a result, they will be distributed in numerical order. This will simplify the search and selection of the necessary files.
We hope that our article helped you learn the necessary tricks for working on a PC with a broken or missing mouse.