Aren’t you able to using the drag and drop feature on Windows 11? Then don’t worry. This article will guide you through some of the easiest ways to fix the drag and drop feature not working on Windows 11.
Just like every other OS, Windows 11 is not flawless; in addition, it has a number of flaws and bugs that consumers find unpleasant.
For example, users have reported that the drag-and-drop feature to the taskbar does not work on Windows 11, and they are dissatisfied with this update.
So, if you are also one of those users who are facing this problem, then don’t worry about it. Keep reading this post until the end to know how to fix the drag and drop feature not working on Windows 11 problem.
Reasons Why Drag and Drop Not Working on Windows 11
When upgrading to Windows 11, a significant number of users have claimed that they are unable to perform the drag-and-drop functionality on their Windows 11 computers. This occurred after Microsoft released the Windows 11 operating system.
Since Windows first came out, everyone who uses it has had plenty of practice with the drag-and-drop capability. You may open a file simply and fast by using this function, which allows you to drag and place a file onto an item that is located in the taskbar panel.
When consumers encounter the problem that the drag-and-drop functionality on the Windows 11 operating system does not work, they first believe that it is a glitch or a malfunction. However, this is not the case, and Microsoft has confirmed in an official statement that the feature will not be returned in the near future.
Windows 11 does not presently enable the ability to open a file by dragging it onto a program that is shown on the taskbar.
Although this function is now unavailable in Windows 11, Microsoft promises that it will be added soon.
You have been shown the root cause of the problem with your Windows 11 computer’s drag-and-drop functionality not working normally up until this point. In the following section, We will provide you with many tried-and-true fixes to the issue so that you may put an end to your frustration.
Therefore, without any further ado, let’s get right into the meat of this article to figure out how to fix the problem with dragging and dropping in Windows 11.
How to Fix Drag And Drop Not Working On Windows 11
Despite the fact that the drag-and-drop capability has been disabled, it is still possible to make use of it by using a few hacks.
In the following part, you will be presented with a number of useful alternatives to the traditional drag-and-drop method that may be used on a computer running Windows 11. You may solve the issue of the drag and drop functionality not functioning by using these strategies.
So, here are the steps to fix Drag And Drop not working in Windows 11:
1. Use Alt + Tab Keyboard Shortcut
If you’re having trouble getting Windows 11’s drag and drop feature to function properly, a fantastic option is to remedy the problem by using the Alt + Tab shortcut.
In the event that you are not acquainted with the drag-and-drop method, allow me to reassure you that with some practice, you will certainly come to like using this approach.
To make use of the drag-and-drop function with the Alt+Tab keyboard shortcut, follow the instructions below:
- Go to your My Computer or open the app from where you want to drag and drop.
- Navigate to the location where your desired file is located.
- Select the file that you want to drag by clicking on it.
- Now left-click on the file, drag a little bit and hold it.
- While holding the file, press the Alt + Tab button on your keyboard, and you will see all the opened app windows.
- Now open the windows where you want to drop the file by pressing the Tab button.
- Release the left mouse, click on your desired window, and the file will be copied there.
In this way, you can easily drag and drop any file.
2. Open Two Windows Side by Side
Opening two windows on the split-screen provide another efficient method for transferring files and directories using the drag-and-drop method. The split-screen functionality in Windows 11 is one of the most beneficial and user-friendly features of the operating system.
You may move files or folders from one window to another by dragging and dropping them between the two windows that are formed when the screens are split side by side. When it comes to transferring files or folders, dragging and dropping is one of the most straightforward approaches.
Follow these instructions to open two windows simultaneously on your screen so that you may drag and drop items:
- Go to your My Computer or open the app from where you want to drag and drop.
- Navigate to the location where your desired file is located.
- On that window, hover your mouse cursor over the maximize button to see the split-screen options.
- Choose the first option to split the screen in half.
- Now choose the other window where you want to drag the file.
- Left-click and hold the file and now drag it to the other window and release it.
Now you will see the file is located in the other window.
3. Use the Copy / Cut Option
The procedure of dragging and dropping your files or folders may also be accomplished in the quickest and most efficient way possible by cutting and pasting the file.
The technique of dragging and dropping the file or folder utilizing the cut and paste method is outlined below in the following steps:
- Go to your My Computer or open the app from where you want to drag and drop.
- Navigate to the location where your desired file is located.
- Right-click on your desired file and select the copy option. But if you want to cut it, then click the cut option.
- Now, open the application or another folder where you want to drag and drop it.
- Right-click there and select the Paste option.
Once you are done completing those steps, you will see that the file has been copied and pasted there without any issues.
4. Edit the Registry File
Take note: There is a big limitation associated with this strategy. After you have performed this patch, the Start button, the Search button, and the Cortana button will no longer be available from the Windows 11 taskbar.
The last way to drag and drop any file or directory is to alter or edit the Registry Editor. The Windows 11 Registry Editor gives users the ability to turn on and customize the drag-and-drop functionality of the operating system.
In order to make changes or edits to the Registry Editor so that you may drag and drop your file or folder, follow these steps:
- To access the Windows Run prompt, press the Win + R key on your keyboard simultaneously.
- In the box on the Run window, type “Regedit.”
- To launch the Registry Editor, either hit the Enter key on the keyboard or press the OK button on your computer’s interface.
- Now, simply click on the address bar and delete the current address. And enter the following address into the bar: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell\Update\Packages.
- Right-click on an empty space and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Rename it as UndockingDisabled and double-click on it.
- Right-click the file and hit the Modify option.
- Enter the value 1 into the Value data field.
- Now hit on the OK button to close the window.
- Once you are done, save the changes, close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
After restarting the computer, you should be able to use the drag and drop feature without any issues now.
Conclusion
Your PC with Windows 11 does not have the capability to utilize the drag-and-drop functionality since Microsoft has confirmed that the feature has been taken out of service completely. It is not yet possible to open a file in a particular application by dragging it onto an app that is shown in the taskbar.
I really hope that you found this article to be informative and fixed the drag and drop feature not working on Windows 11 problem.