To check out a single file in the project:
  1. In the Project Explorer, right-click the file to check out.
  2. Choose Check Out.
  3. Add a comment.
  4. Click OK.
To check out multiple files in the project:
  1. In the Project Explorer, right-click the solution, project, or folder to check out.
  2. Choose Source Control > Check Out (Recursive).

The dialog box will list the files that can be checked out, i.e., ones whose status is Controlled.

  1. In the dialog, deselect the files you do not wish want to check out and add a comment.
  2. Click OK.