13 Ways to Fix Windows Drag and Drop not Working
Windows 11 has introduced several exciting features and improvements, but like any operating system, it's not immune to occasional glitches. One frustrating issue users encounter is the drag and drop function not working as expected. Whether you're unable to move files, folders, or icons, this problem can disrupt your workflow. However, fear not, as there are numerous methods to resolve this annoyance. In this article, we'll explore 13 effective solutions to tackle the drag and drop not working problem on Windows 11.
- Restart Explorer:
Sometimes, the Windows Explorer process might encounter temporary issues. Restarting it can often resolve various problems, including drag and drop not working. To do this, right-click on the taskbar, select "Task Manager," locate "Windows Explorer" under the Processes tab, right-click it, and choose "Restart." - Update Windows:
Ensure your Windows 11 is up-to-date. Microsoft regularly releases updates that include bug fixes and improvements. Go to Settings > Windows Update, and check for any available updates. Install them if there are any. - Restart Your Computer:
A simple restart can sometimes work wonders. Rebooting your system can help refresh all processes and clear out any temporary glitches causing the drag and drop issue. - Check for Software Conflicts:
Third-party software, especially antivirus programs and system utilities, can sometimes interfere with Windows functions. Temporarily disable or uninstall such software to see if it resolves the drag and drop problem. - Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan:
Corrupted system files can lead to various issues, including drag and drop not working. Run an SFC scan to detect and repair any corrupted files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type "sfc /scannow" and press Enter. - Check for Disk Errors:
Disk errors can also cause functionality problems on your system. Run the CHKDSK utility to scan and fix any disk errors. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type "chkdsk /f /r" and press Enter. Follow the on-screen instructions if prompted to schedule the scan on the next restart. - Disable Tablet Mode:
If you're using a device with touchscreen capabilities, ensure that Tablet Mode is disabled. Sometimes, Tablet Mode settings can conflict with drag and drop functionality. Go to Settings > System > Tablet, and ensure Tablet Mode is turned off. - Reset Drag and Drop Action:
Resetting the drag and drop action can sometimes resolve the issue. Open File Explorer options by typing "File Explorer Options" in the Start menu search bar. Under the General tab, click on "Reset" under the "Open File Explorer to" section. - Check Mouse Settings:
Faulty mouse settings or drivers can cause drag and drop issues. Ensure your mouse drivers are up-to-date. You can also try changing mouse settings in Control Panel or Settings to see if it resolves the problem. - Disable User Account Control (UAC):
Sometimes, User Account Control settings can interfere with drag and drop functionality. Temporarily disable UAC and check if the problem persists. Go to Control Panel > User Accounts > Change User Account Control settings, and drag the slider to the bottom to disable it temporarily. - Create a New User Profile:
Creating a new user profile can help identify if the issue is specific to your user account. Create a new user profile from Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, and check if drag and drop works in the new profile. - Perform a System Restore:
If the issue started recently after a system change or update, performing a System Restore to a point before the problem occurred can help resolve it. Type "System Restore" in the Start menu search bar and follow the on-screen instructions. - Perform a Windows 11 Reset:
As a last resort, if none of the above solutions work, you can perform a Windows 11 reset. This reinstalls Windows while keeping your personal files intact. Go to Settings > System > Recovery, and choose the "Reset this PC" option.
Experiencing drag and drop issues on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the problem swiftly. From simple restarts to more advanced system scans and resets, these 13 solutions offer a comprehensive toolkit to address the drag and drop not working problem effectively. Remember to approach each solution methodically and test your system after each step to identify the one that works for you.
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