How to Fix Drag and Drop Not Working on Windows 11Introduction

Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, brought several exciting features and a fresh new look to the world of computing. However, like any other software, it’s not immune to issues and bugs. One common problem that many users encounter is the drag and drop feature not working as expected. Whether you’re trying to move files, create shortcuts, or organize your desktop, a malfunctioning drag and drop can be frustrating. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through

Check for Software Updates

Before diving into more complex troubleshooting steps, it’s essential to ensure that your Windows 11 operating system is up to date. Microsoft frequently releases updates that address various bugs and issues, including problems with drag and drop functionality.

To check for updates:

• Click on the Start button.
• Go to Settings.
• Select Windows Update.
• Click on Check for updates.

If any updates are available, Windows will download and install them. After the update process is complete, restart your computer and check if the drag and drop issue has been resolved.

Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can work wonders in resolving software-related issues. If your drag and drop problem is a temporary glitch, restarting your computer might be all you need to get it working again.

Check for Hardware Issues

In some cases, the issue may be related to your hardware, such as a faulty mouse or touchpad. Here are some steps to check for hardware problems:

• Test your mouse or touchpad on another computer to see if it functions correctly.
• Ensure your mouse drivers are up to date. Visit the official website of your mouse manufacturer to download the latest drivers.
• If you’re using a wireless mouse, make sure it has a fresh set of batteries.
• For touchpad issues, check if there are any physical obstructions or dirt that might interfere with its operation.

Adjust Mouse Settings

Windows 11 provides various mouse settings that can affect drag and drop behavior. Here’s how to adjust them:

• Click on the Start button.
• Go to Settings.
• Select Devices.
• Click on Mouse.
• Adjust the mouse sensitivity, double-click speed, and other settings to your preference.

Experiment with different settings to see if any of them resolve the drag and drop issue.

Check for Third-Party Software Conflicts

Certain third-party applications can interfere with system functions like drag and drop. To identify and resolve such conflicts:

• Uninstall any recently installed software that might be causing the issue.
• Disable or uninstall any third-party mouse or customization software temporarily.

After making these changes, check if drag and drop functionality has been restored. If it has, you can gradually reinstall or enable software to identify the specific culprit.

Run System File Checker

Corrupted system files can lead to various issues on your computer, including problems with drag and drop. Running the System File Checker (SFC) utility can help repair these files:

• Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for “cmd” in the start menu, right-clicking on it, and selecting Run as administrator.
• In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
• Wait for the scan to complete, and follow any on-screen instructions to repair corrupted files.

Once the scan and repair process is finished, restart your computer and check if drag and drop is working.

Create a New User Profile

If the issue persists and seems to be specific to your user profile, creating a new user profile might be a solution:

• Go to Settings.
• Select Accounts.
• Under the “Family & other users” section, click Add account.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user profile.
• Log in with the new profile and check if drag and drop works.

If it does, you can migrate your files and settings to the new profile and use it as your primary account.

Perform a Clean Boot

Performing a clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help identify and eliminate software conflicts that may be causing the drag and drop issue:

• Open the System Configuration utility by searching for “msconfig” in the start menu and selecting it from the results.
• In the General tab, select Selective startup and uncheck “Load startup items.”
• Go to the Services tab and check the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services.”
• Click Disable all to disable all non-Microsoft services.
• Click Apply and then OK.
• Restart your computer.

Now, check if drag and drop is functioning correctly. If it is, you can gradually re-enable services and startup items to identify the one causing the problem.

FAQs

Conclusion

A malfunctioning drag and drop feature on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but it’s not insurmountable. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can diagnose and resolve the issue, ensuring a smoother and more productive computing experience. If you encounter persistent problems, don’t hesitate to seek official Microsoft support for further assistance.