Troubleshooting Drag and Drop Issues in Windows 11

The drag and drop functionality in Windows enables users to effortlessly transfer files between folders or applications using a mouse. While enabling this feature on Windows 11 is generally straightforward, a number of users may encounter difficulties when the drag and drop functionality fails to operate on their computers. Consequently, they are unable to easily move files on the desktop, within File Explorer, or between different applications.

One may experience issues with the drag and drop feature due to various reasons. Common causes include malfunctions in the application or Windows Explorer, faulty mouse drivers, incorrect mouse drag settings, or corrupt system files. To resolve this problem, try implementing one of the following solutions to restore the smooth functionality of drag and drop feature.

Troubleshooting: Closing and Restarting the Application to Resolve Errors

If you are experiencing issues with the drag and drop functionality in an application, there is a simple solution to try. By completely closing the application and reopening it, you can often resolve any problems that may be causing the feature to malfunction. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Close the specific application.
2. Reopen the application.
By performing these steps, you may be able to restore the drag and drop functionality and resume using it as intended.

To open the Task Manager, follow these steps:
1. Press the shortcut keys Control + Shift + Esc simultaneously.
2. The Task Manager window will open.

Step 2: Access the Task Manager window and locate the application in the Processes list. Right-click on the problematic application and select the End task option.

Step 3: Close the Task Manager.

Step 4: Press the Windows key to open the Start menu. Type the name of the application in the search box and select the Run as administrator option to restart the application with administrator privileges. Verify whether the ability to drag and drop items within the application has been restored.

Re-Launch Windows Explorer Correctly

The Windows Explorer process facilitates the graphical user interface (GUI) for several elements within the operating system. If the drag and drop functionality is enabled but you are unable to perform drag and drop file operations, restarting this process via the Task Manager is necessary. Follow these steps to accomplish this task.

1. Step 1: Press the shortcut keys Control + Shift + Esc simultaneously to open the Task Manager.

1. Step 2: In the Task Manager window, scroll down and locate the Windows Explorer application in the Processes list. Right-click on Windows Explorer and select the option to End task.

1. Step 3: Your computer screen will momentarily flicker, temporarily go blank, and then return to its normal state. Please close the Task Manager and verify if the problem of drag and drop has now been resolved.

Scrap the Drag and Drop Interface

If the drag and drop interface in File Explorer becomes unresponsive, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue. First, if you are unable to move the selected file or folder, you can cancel the current operation by following these steps: click and hold the left mouse button, then press the Esc key. Once you have done this, click the left mouse button again to cancel the drag and drop interface. To ensure the issue is resolved, close and restart the File Explorer or the application you are using. After doing so, attempt the drag and drop operation again. This should allow you to successfully move the desired file or folder.

Troubleshoot Hardware Issues to Prevent Computer Difficulties

Windows 11 offers a Hardware Troubleshooter feature that can assist in identifying and resolving any problems with your computer’s mouse or mouse pad. Follow the steps below to utilize this helpful tool:

1. Begin by accessing the Hardware Troubleshooter in Windows 11.
2. Navigate to the troubleshooting options and select the option for input devices.
3. Next, choose the option specific to mice or mouse pads.
4. The Hardware Troubleshooter will now initiate a scan to identify any issues or conflicts with your mouse or mouse pad.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to troubleshoot and resolve any detected problems.
6. If any recommendations or instructions are provided by the troubleshooter, follow them to fix the issues.
7. Once the troubleshooting process is complete, retest your mouse or mouse pad to ensure the problems have been resolved.

By using the Hardware Troubleshooter in Windows 11, you can effectively diagnose and rectify any troubles with your computer’s mouse or mouse pad, ensuring optimal functionality.

1. Step 1: Press the Windows key to open the Start menu. Type PowerShell in the top search box and press the shortcut keys Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

Step 2: The User Account Control window will open. Click the “Yes” button to open the PowerShell command window with administrator privileges.

Step 3: To execute the command, enter it in the PowerShell window and press Enter.

Step 4:

The Hardware Troubleshooter will start. Please click the “Next” button to continue.

1. Step 5: Allow the troubleshooter to detect and resolve any problems related to the connected hardware devices.
2. Once completed, exit the Troubleshooter window and proceed to restart your computer.

Troubleshooting Computer Issues by Reinstalling Mouse Driver

If the drag and drop feature is not working on Windows 11, it may be due to a faulty mouse driver. To resolve this issue, you can reinstall the mouse driver using the Device Manager tool. This process involves removing the current driver and then allowing the system to automatically search and download the latest driver upon restarting the computer. Follow these steps to reinstall the mouse driver:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Power User Menu.
2. From the menu, select Device Manager.
3. In the Device Manager window, locate and expand the “Mice and other pointing devices” category.
4. Right-click on your mouse device and select Uninstall device.
5. In the confirmation prompt, click on Uninstall to proceed with the driver removal.
6. After the driver has been uninstalled, restart your computer.
7. Upon reboot, Windows will automatically detect and install the latest mouse driver for your system.

By following these steps, you can reinstall the mouse driver on Windows 11 and potentially resolve any issues with the drag and drop feature.

Step 1:

Press the Windows key to open the Start menu. Type device manager in the top search box and press Enter.

Step 2:

In the Device Manager window that appears, locate and expand the Mice and other pointing devices section. Right-click on the current mouse driver and select Uninstall device.

Step 3: In the new window, you will find the Uninstall button. Click on it to proceed.

1. Step 4: Close the Device Manager window and restart your computer.
2. Windows will automatically search, download and install the latest mouse driver for the system.

How to Use Windows Registry to Resolve Computer Problems

If you are having trouble dragging and dropping in Windows 11, the issue may be related to your mouse settings. To resolve this, you can adjust a specific value in the Registry. However, it is important to note that you should create a backup of the Windows Registry before attempting this method. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Step 1: Press the Windows key to open the Start menu.
2. Type regedit in the top search box and press Enter.

1. Step 2:
2. The User Account Control window will open.
3. Click the Yes button to open the Registry Editor window with administrator privileges.

Step 3:

In the Registry Editor window, go to the topmost address bar.
Copy and paste the given path, and press “Enter”.

Step 4:

Next, double-click on the DragHeight key in the right-hand pane to modify it.

Enter 4 in the blank box below the Value data field and click the OK button.

Step 5: Double-click on the DragWidth value to modify it. Enter 4 in the empty box beneath the Value data field and click the OK button.

Step 6: Close the Registry Editor window and restart your computer in order to apply the changes.

Perform SFC and DISM Scans to Detect System Issues

If you are experiencing difficulties with the drag and drop feature in Windows 11, it may be due to corrupted system files or a corrupt Windows component store. To resolve this issue, you can utilize the built-in command-line tools, namely SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management). Follow the steps outlined below to run SFC and DISM scans and resolve the problem:

Step 1: Press the Windows key to access the Start menu. Then, type cmd in the search bar and press the shortcut keys Control + Shift + Enter.

Step 2: The User Account Control window will open. Click the Yes button to open the Command Prompt window with administrator privileges.

Step 3: Enter the following command in the command window and press “Enter” to execute:

Step 4:

Next, enter the command cls and hit Enter to clear the Command Prompt screen.

Step 5:

Next, type the following commands one by one, ending each command with the Enter key.

1. Step 6: Ensure that the scanning process is complete.
2. Close the Command Prompt window.
3. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Using System Restore to Resolve Windows Errors

You have the option to utilize the System Restore feature to revert to a previous state on your computer when it was functioning optimally. To execute this process, follow the steps provided below:

1. Step 1: Press the Windows key to open the Start menu.
2. Type “rstrui” in the top search box and press Enter.
3. Access the System Restore feature.

To proceed, click the “Next” button.

Step 2: Click the Next button to proceed.

1. Step 3: Select a restore point from the list.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to apply the restore point on your computer.

If you are experiencing a problem with drag and drop not functioning correctly on Windows 11, there are several steps you can take to address the issue. Start by closing the affected application and restarting Windows Explorer. Next, try cancelling the drag and drop process and utilizing the available troubleshooter. If the problem persists, consider reinstalling the mouse driver. Additionally, you may want to adjust settings within the Windows Registry, run SFC and DISM scans, or utilize the System Restore feature if all other troubleshooting methods fail to resolve the issue.

Please refer to the article on how to fix common errors in Windows 11: “6 common Windows 11 errors and how to fix them”.

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