Share this article

Improve this guide

Fix: Windows 11 Drag and Drop Not Working [4 Ways]

Get back to dragging files in no time!

7 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Of all the changes that users noticed in Windows 11, drag and drop not working was something that struck them the most. This feature has been a part of the Windows ecosystem for a long time and going by the comments, users are not pleased with its discontinuation.

A feature that we all heavily relied on is absent from Windows 11. Users thought of it to be a bug in the initial version but Microsoft was quick to acknowledge that the feature has been removed.

Other changes pertaining to the taskbar include the inability tolaunch the Task Managerfrom the right-click context menu, and dropping apps in the taskbar to create their shortcut.

So, what do you do when the Windows 11 drag and drop not working issue occurs?? There are a few workarounds that could get you similar results and we have listed them all in the following sections. Else, you can get used to the new interface and execute tasks accordingly.

4 Solutions when you can’t drag and drop in Windows 11

It has been reported that users who upgraded toWindows 11 22H2can now use the drag-and-drop feature properly.

However, at the time of writing this article, theWindows 11 22H2 update is full of bugs, so it may be recommended to wait a bit more before trying it out. In case you decide to skip the update for now, you should use the solutions below:

1. Use theAlt+Tabshortcut

This way you can easily move files between apps and get rid of the Windows 11 drag and drop feature not working problem.

Although it will take you some time to get acquainted with the process, once that phase is over, you will find this method convenient and quick. Just practice for a while until you get a knack for it.

2. Open the two windows in split screen

Thesplit-screen method in Windows 11works great if you just have to move files between two locations. In the above case, we took two File Explorer windows, however, you can replace one or both of them with other apps. This is a quick solution to the annoying drag and drop problem.

For some apps, there may be an additional confirmation box to complete the drag and drop procedure. Choose the appropriate response and get done with it.

3. Use the cut and paste operation

Again, a simple workaround for drag and drop not working in Windows 11. However, it’s not as effective as the other two since it requires a tad more time and effort.

Also, some apps don’t support theCutoperation, in which case, you will have to copy the file/folder and move it to the desired location. Once done, go to the source and delete the concerned file.

Those who prefer the keyboard shortcuts can useCtrl+XtoCut,Ctrl+CtoCopy, andCtrl+VtoPaste.

4. Modify the Registry

The taskbar may disappear for a few moments and once it reappears, you will notice that the icons are all aligned to the left. You can now easily pin items to the taskbar as we did in the previous iterations of Windows.

But, there’s a major downside to this method. After making changes to the registry, you wouldn’t be able to launch theStartorSearchmenu, and Cortana if it’s enabled, by clicking the respective buttons in the taskbar. However, they can still be accessed via other methods.

In case you are willing to make the sacrifice, no other method mentioned above can match the effectiveness of this one.

Is drag and drop available in Windows 11?

After the drag and drop not working in Windows 11 problem was raised by several users, Microsoft issued a response a couple of years ago:

Based on this statement, we had expected the drag and drop feature somewhere down the line from Microsoft. Luckily, it did go live and Windows 11 22H2 users can now use it.

If the above solutions don’t meet your requirements or some critical functionalities are still left out, you canfind a way to bring back the old taskbar and Start menu.

These are all the methods you can go for when the drag and drop function is not working in Windows 11. Although they aren’t as good as the built-in functionality, they do the trick until Microsoft releases a similar feature.

Once you have the drag and drop working in Windows 11, pin as many apps to the taskbar. Or, drop files to the processes in the taskbar to launch in that particular app.

Even more, apply theseuseful tips if the left mouse button drag doesn’t work. Even though it is a Windows 10 guide, rest assured they are the same as in Windows 11.

And if you change your mind androll back to the previous OS, take a look at thesequick fixes if you can’t drag and drop items in Windows 10. Moving paragraphs, files, or folders around will work like a charm once again.

Let us know your thoughts on Microsoft killing the drag and drop operation and the method you opted for in the comments section below.

Fix: Windows 11 Drag and Drop Not Working [4 Ways]#

4 Solutions when you can’t drag and drop in Windows 11#

1. Use theAlt+Tabshortcut#

2. Open the two windows in split screen#

3. Use the cut and paste operation#

4. Modify the Registry#

Is drag and drop available in Windows 11?#