Using Select and Hold Only for Delayed Interactions
Using Select and Hold Only for Delayed Interactions records a distinct source-supported procedure-writing task while keeping adjacent UI behavior, accessibility concerns, and implementation mechanics outside the page.
Use “select and hold” only when the software or hardware interaction actually includes a delay.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Microsoft separately cautions against using “select and hold” for a mouse button unless teaching beginning skills; this page does not redefine all selection terminology.
Further guidance
Content
Use “select and hold” only when the software or hardware interaction actually includes a delay.
Purpose
This keeps the instruction aligned with the interaction instead of implying a hold where an ordinary selection is enough.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Keys and keyboard shortcuts — Microsoft Style Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Microsoft Style Guide guidance for naming and presenting keyboard shortcuts and key combinations in technical instructions.