How to Enable or Disable Translucent Selection Rectangle on Desktop in Windows 11
The translucent selection rectangle in Windows 11 is the colored box that appears when you drag your mouse to select multiple desktop icons.
This see-through box helps you see what you’re selecting. You can choose to turn it off for a simpler outline selection box.
The translucent selection rectangle setting affects only your desktop icons, not the selection box used in File Explorer. This behavior applies to Windows 11.
Enable or disable the translucent selection rectangle in Windows 11 by opening Performance Options, navigating to Visual Effects, and checking or unchecking “Show translucent selection rectangle.” Alternatively, use Registry Editor to modify the ListviewAlphaSelect value at 🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
Option 1Use Performance Options
You can easily turn the translucent selection rectangle on or off using the Performance Options window. This setting controls whether the box you draw to select multiple items on your desktop appears see-through or solid. The Performance Options window shows graphical settings for Windows 11.
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This opens a small window.
- Type
SystemPropertiesPerformance.exeinto the box and click OK. This opens the Performance Options window. - Click on the Visual Effects tab at the top.
- Look for the option that says Show translucent selection rectangle.
- Check the box next to it to turn it on (this is the default setting).
- Uncheck the box to turn it off.
- Click OK at the bottom to save your changes.
Option 2Use Registry Editor (Advanced)
If you’re comfortable with advanced settings, you can disable or enable the translucent selection rectangle using the Registry Editor. This method involves changing a specific number in a system file. Be cautious, as incorrect registry edits can cause computer problems, so it’s best to use Option 1 if you’re unsure.
To enable the translucent selection rectangle (the default behavior), ensure the value is set to 1.
To disable it , set the value to 0.
Here are the steps:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard.
- Type
regeditinto the box and click OK. This opens the Registry Editor. You might be asked for administrator permission. - In the left-hand side of the Registry Editor, carefully navigate to the following location. You’ll need to click on folders to open them:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced - On the right-hand side of the window, find an entry named
ListviewAlphaSelect. - Double-click on
ListviewAlphaSelect. - A small window will pop up.
- To turn the feature ON, type
1in the box. - To turn the feature OFF, type
0in the box. - Click OK.
- Close the Registry Editor.
- To see the changes, you need to restart your computer or sign out and sign back in.
Summary
How do I disable the selection box in 🪟 Windows 11?
In this tutorial we'll show you some tips to remove the item checkboxes from File Explore in Windows 11. Open File Explorer, and then click the View button in the toolbar. When the drop-down menu appears, select Show, and click the “Item check boxes” option to deselect it.
What does the show translucent selection rectangle do?
Understanding the Translucent Selection Rectangle It allows users to visualize their selections, providing clarity when editing text, selecting files, or interacting with user interface elements.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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