Drag and Drop in Windows 11: 9 Quick Fixes 🔥🖱️
Windows' drag-and-drop functionality lets you interact with files and folders, making it easier to move items around. 🖱️💨
Although this feature isn't new, many Windows 11 users are experiencing issues with it. In fact, only a few users have reported that drag and drop isn't working in Windows 11. 😩
In Windows 11, you can conveniently move files using keyboard shortcuts – CTRL+X and CTRL+V. But what if you're not comfortable with shortcuts? 🤔
How to fix drag and drop issue in Windows 11
The drag and drop function in Windows 11 can stop working for a number of reasons, but you can easily fix it. Below, we share some of the best ways to fix the drag and drop not working issue in Windows 11. 💡
1. Restart the problematic application
If the drag and drop feature isn't working only in a specific app, you'll need to restart that app on your Windows 11 computer. You can use Task Manager to do this. Here's what you need to do:
1. Click on Windows Search and type “Task Manager.” Then, open the app. Task Manager from the list.
2. When Task Manager opens, right-click on the problematic application and select End task.
3. This will immediately close all processes related to the app. Once closed, reopen the app on your Windows 11 computer.
Here's how you can restart an app to fix the drag and drop not working issue in Windows 10. Windows 11.
2. Restart Windows File Explorer
Several Windows 11 users have claimed that they resolved the drag and drop issue by simply restarting the file explorer Windows. So you can do that too. Here's what you need to do:
1. Click on Windows search and type Task Manager. Then, open the Task Manager application from the list of available results.
2. When Task Manager opens, right-click on Windows Explorer and select Reboot.
This will immediately restart Windows Explorer and fix the drag and drop not working issue. 🔄
3. Check your mouse for problems
Windows' drag and drop functionality depends entirely on your mouse. It could be that your mouse is having some issues, causing drag and drop to not work. 🖱️❓
If you're using a wired mouse, unplug it and then plug it back in. This may fix the problem. So, before trying the following methods, check if your mouse is working properly. 👍
4. Update your mouse drivers
If Windows 11's drag and drop feature still isn't working, you can check your mouse drivers. If Windows 11 can't recognize your mouse, you won't be able to use it. Here's how to check your mouse drivers.
1. Click on Windows 11 search and type Device Manager. Then, open the Device Manager app from the list.
2. Expand the section .Mouse and other pointing devices when Device Manager opens.
3. Right click on your connected mouse and select Update driver.
Now follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process of updating your mouse drivers.
5. Forget the last drag and drop action
Windows 11 has a bug that sometimes causes it to get stuck on the last drag and drop action. If that's the problem, you'll need to forget the last drag and drop action you performed.
Open File Explorer (This PC) in Windows 11, click In any file/folder, press and hold the left mouse button and press the key ESC.
6. Run SFC and DISM commands
System file corruption can be another reason why drag and drop is not working in Windows 11. So, if all else has failed, you can try running the commands CFS and DISM on your Windows 11.
These two commands will scan and repair all the corrupted Windows system files 11. Here's what to do:
1. Click on Windows search and type CMD. Right click on CMD and select Run as administrator.
2. When Command Prompt opens, run the SFC command:
SFC /scannow
3. If the SFC /scannow command returns an error, try running this command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
These two commands will likely resolve all corrupted system files and fix the drag and drop issue in Windows 11. 🛠️
7. Update your Windows 11
Updating your operating system is a surefire way to deal with various errors, bugs, and issues. It's always recommended to update your operating system because an up-to-date system ensures new features and improved security options. 🔒
1. Click on Windows 11 search and select 'Configuration'.
2. In Settings, switch to the tab Windows Updates on the left.
3. Now on the right side click on Check for updates.
Windows 11 will now automatically check for all available updates. If any are found, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.
8. Perform a clean boot
If the problem persists, you should perform a clean boot. A clean boot means running Windows with only essential services. Here's how to perform a clean boot to rule out interference from third-party applications.
1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. When the Run dialog box opens, type msconfig.msc and press Enter.
2. In the System Configuration utility, switch to the Settings tab. Services.
3. At the bottom of the screen, select the option Hide all Microsoft services. On the right side, click on Disable all.
4. Open Task Manager and switch to the Startup tab. Right-click on the startup programs and select Disable.
5. Restart your PC to boot into a clean state.
9. Reset your Windows 11 PC
If nothing worked to fix the drag and drop not working issue in Windows 11, the last option left is to reset your Windows 11 PC.
A reset will erase all user-defined settings and third-party applications. Therefore, it's essential to back up all your most important files and folders before performing a system reset. 🗂️
Once you have made the backup, follow our guide – How to reset Windows 11 to reset your device to its factory default state.
Drag and drop is a very handy feature that saves time when moving files between folders. And if this feature isn't working on Windows, it's crucial that you follow all the methods we've shared. We're confident they'll solve the problem. If you found this guide helpful, share it with your friends who are experiencing the same issue! 📤✨
