How to Enable or Disable Translucent Selection Rectangle on Desktop in Windows 11
The translucent selection rectangle (the see-through blue box that appears when you drag your mouse across your Windows 11 desktop) lets you highlight and select multiple files at once. You can turn off this solid fill in the Performance Options menu if you prefer a simple border outline instead.
This display setting works only on your desktop screen and does not change how selection boxes look inside File Explorer or other apps.
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\
Option 1Use Performance Options
You can turn the translucent selection rectangle on or off through the Performance Options window by opening the Run dialog, typing the system properties command, and changing the visual effects settings in Windows 11.
- Press the Win+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)
You can enable or disable the translucent selection rectangle by editing a specific key inside the Registry Editor, which is a database for Windows system and application settings. Incorrect registry edits can cause system instability, so follow the exact steps carefully.
This method may not function correctly if administrator restrictions are in place.
To enable the translucent selection rectangle, 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
For more advanced users, the Registry Editor can also be used, but be cautious when making changes there.
How do I disable the selection box in 🪟 Windows 11?
To remove item checkboxes from File Explorer instead, open File Explorer and click View on the toolbar. Select Show, then uncheck Item check boxes.
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.
Was this guide helpful?
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.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!