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Fix: Windows 11 Drag and Drop not working

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  • 4 min read

Drag and drop is a fundamental feature of Windows, making file management and multitasking seamless. However, things might get frustrating if this function stops working suddenly on your Windows 11 PC.

Fortunately, there are several solutions you can try to resolve the issue. Here is a YouTube video that can help you with that:

YouTube video

In this article, we’ll explore some effective solutions to fix this issue:

Run the DISM Command in PowerShell

One of the easiest ways to resolve drag-and-drop issues is by running the Deployment Imaging Service and Management (DISM) command in Windows PowerShell.

Visit this article here to learn how to run the DISM command in Windows.

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Reset User Account Control (UAC) settings

An unusual but effective fix is resetting User Account Control (UAC) settings. Sometimes, incorrect UAC settings can interfere with system functions, including drag and drop.

Step 1: Open the Start menu and search for User Account Control Settings.

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Step 2: Ensure that the settings are set to default, that is, Notify me only when apps try to make changes to may computer (default). If the settings were modified, reset them and restart your PC.

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Try using drag and drop after restarting your PC.

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Modify the Registry Editor

A small registry tweak can also help restore the drag-and-drop function. However, be cautious while editing the registry, as incorrect changes can affect system stability.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialogue box, type regedit and press Enter.

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Step 2: Next, navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System. Locate EnableLUA and double-click on it.

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Step 3: Change the Value Data from 1 to 0. Click Ok, close the Registry Editor, and restart your PC.

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Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool

If the issue persists, running the System File Checker (SFC) can scan and repair corrupted system files.

Step 1: Press the Windows Key + X to open the Terminal.

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Step 2: Type sfc/scannow to run the scan.

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Step 3: If the scan finds any issue, run the command below to resolve it.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

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Check for Windows Updates

Windows updates frequently include fixes for bugs and performance improvements. If none of the above methods work, checking for updates might help.

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Press the Windows key + I and then navigate to Windows Update > Check for updates.

Drag-and-drop issues in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but they are often fixable with a few simple steps. If you’re also facing issues with drag-and-drop, follow the steps given above and go back to increasing your productivity asap.

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Kumar Hemant

Kumar Hemant

Deputy Editor at Candid.Technology. Hemant writes at the intersection of tech and culture and has a keen interest in science, social issues and international relations. You can contact him here: kumarhemant@pm.me

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