How do I flag files in file explorer

Dave T 20 Reputation points
2026-04-28T16:34:18.3433333+00:00

I need to flag files in File Explorer for future bulk actions. I have tried flagging them as favourites but then cant find anyway to list all the favourites

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage
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Ice Darel Caorte 1,240 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-04-28T17:31:12.4166667+00:00

Hi there, Thanks for posting here in Microsoft Community.

I also encounter this issue myself. There are two options you can use. The first option is to use Tags. You can add a tag to files and then search for them later.

Here's how to find the flag files:

  1. Select one or more files
  2. Right‑click > Properties
  3. Open the Details tab
  4. In Tags, type a word (example: ToReview)
  5. Click OK

Here's how to find them later:

  1. Open File Explorer (any folder above where the files are)
  2. In the search box, type: tags: ToReview
  3. All tagged files will appear together
  4. Select all and do your bulk action

You can use this link for reference: https://www.nextofwindows.com/how-to-add-tags-to-files-in-windows-11

The second option is to use Comments, since some files do not allow tags. I recommend using Comments in those cases.

Here's how to use comment:

  1. Right‑click the file → Properties
  2. Go to Details
  3. In Comments, type a unique word like: BULK_ACTION
  4. Click OK

Here's how to find them later:

  1. Open File Explorer
  2. In the search box, type: comments:BULK_ACTION
  3. All files with that comment will show up together

You can use this link for reference: https://www.techbloat.com/how-to-easily-add-comments-to-folders-in-windows-file-explorer.html

Disclaimer: All link on this answer is a third‑party website and not an official Microsoft site. The link is shared for reference purposes only.

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  1. Craig Long 18,635 Reputation points
    2026-04-28T19:41:11.87+00:00

    You can select a file, right-click, go to "Show more options", select "Create shortcut", and then cut-and-paste the shortcut into a folder on your desktop.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-04-28T16:34:31.89+00:00

    File Explorer in Windows does not support “flagging” files in the same way Outlook supports flags, and it does not have a built-in “Favorites” list for individual files that can be filtered or listed separately.

    For marking or grouping files for future bulk actions, the supported options in File Explorer are:

    1. Use Quick access for folders (not files)
      • Quick access is designed for folders, not individual files.
      • To mark a folder so it is easy to find:
        1. In File Explorer, right-click (or press and hold) the folder.
        2. Select Pin to Quick access.
      • The folder will then appear under Quick access in the left pane. To remove it later, right-click it and select Unpin from Quick access.
    2. Use sensitivity labels for protection/identification (advanced)
      • If Microsoft Purview Information Protection is available, files can be labeled and protected. This is primarily for classification and security, not simple “flagging,” but it does mark files in a consistent way:
        1. Open File Explorer.
        2. Right-click the file(s) or folder to be marked.
        3. Select Apply sensitivity label with Microsoft Purview.
        4. Choose the appropriate label in the Microsoft Purview Information Protection File Labeler dialog.
      • The label then travels with the file, even if moved or emailed.
    3. Practical workarounds for bulk actions Since there is no native file “favorites” list:
      • Create a dedicated folder (for example, ToProcess) and move or copy all files that need bulk actions into it.
      • Alternatively, create shortcuts to those files in a single folder, then perform bulk actions from there.
      • Use search filters (by name pattern, date, type, or sensitivity label if enabled) to quickly select and act on groups of files.

    There is currently no built-in way in Windows 11 File Explorer to flag individual files and then view “all flagged files” as a list, beyond these folder pinning, labeling, and organizational workarounds.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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