Enable Single Click in Ubuntu File Manager
Single-click to open files in Ubuntu changes how your file manager works so you only need one click instead of two to open folders and programs. This built-in setting speeds up how you browse files on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and newer versions without needing extra software.
Holding down the Ctrl key while you click still lets you pick multiple items just like before. You can turn on this feature in just a few seconds through the file manager preferences menu.
Open File Manager and go to Preferences. Under the General tab, select “Single-click” for the “Action to Open Items” option to enable single-click opening. You can switch back to double-click by selecting that option instead.
How to turn on or off single-click to open an item on Ubuntu Linux
You can change single click Ubuntu File Manager settings to open folders and files with one click instead of two by updating the preferences in your file manager. This setting applies to the default Files app on Ubuntu Linux and takes only a few seconds to set up. You can switch back to the standard double-click behavior at any time using the exact same menu.
Open Files. Click the menu button in the top-right corner and select Preferences.
Under the General tab, look for Action to Open Items and select Single click.
- Single click
- Double click
To change back to Double click, choose that option instead.
Modifications apply instantly across the desktop environment.
Testing the new behavior confirms everything works correctly.
Conclusion:
- Switching to single-click mode in Ubuntu Linux makes file and folder navigation more accessible for users who struggle with double-clicking.
- Users can easily revert to the default double-click mode by following the provided steps to adjust preferences in File Manager.
- These straightforward adjustments enhance the usability and ergonomics of Ubuntu Linux for a wider range of individuals.
That sums up enabling or disabling single-click mode in Ubuntu Linux!
How do I turn off single click in File Explorer?
Need to switch back later? Head to the same menu and select the double-click option instead.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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