Single Click to Open Icons in Windows 7/Vista - How To

Simplifying File and Folder Access in Windows 7 & Vista

Yesterday, a reader inquired about configuring Windows 7 or Vista to open files and folders with a single mouse click. Recognizing this as a topic I hadn’t previously addressed, I decided to create this guide. This functionality isn't new; the setting has been available since Windows 9x, and many users are likely already familiar with its activation.

However, for those unaware, this provides a quick and straightforward method to adjust your system’s behavior. Once enabled, hovering the mouse cursor over an icon will display an underline. A single click will then initiate the opening of the folder.

Changing the Setting

Begin by opening any folder on your system. Then, click on the "Organize" option located in the toolbar.

From the "Organize" menu, select "Folder and Search options."

Within the Folder Options window, locate the section labeled "Click items as follows."

Change this setting from "Double-click" to "Single-click."

You will also notice a related setting directly beneath this option. This controls whether icon titles are underlined by default.

The default behavior is to only underline titles when the mouse pointer is positioned over them, maintaining a clean visual appearance.

If you prefer continuous underlining, you can modify this setting to "Underline icon titles consistent with my browser." This will display the titles on all items at all times.

While I personally favor the standard Windows double-click functionality, many users find single-clicking more convenient. Now you have the knowledge to implement this change if desired.