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How to Fix Drag and Drop Not Working in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Solutions

Drag and drop is a convenient feature in Windows 10 that allows you to move files and folders easily. Sometimes, this feature may stop working, causing frustration. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix it.

This guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions to get drag and drop working again. Each step is explained clearly, even if you are not very tech-savvy.

Follow the steps in order, starting from the simplest fix to more advanced options. By the end, you should have your drag and drop functionality restored.

Let’s begin troubleshooting and get your Windows 10 back to smooth operation.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Checks

Before diving into fixes, make sure you check a few basic things first:

  • Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve temporary glitches.
  • Try a different mouse or touchpad: Ensure your input device is working properly.
  • Check if drag and drop works in other applications: This helps determine if the issue is system-wide or app-specific.
  • Make sure Windows 10 is up to date: Updates can fix bugs that cause such problems.

Step 1: Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer manages the desktop, taskbar, and file explorer windows. Sometimes, it may stop responding properly, affecting drag and drop.

Restarting Windows Explorer is a quick and safe way to refresh these services:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Under the Processes tab, find Windows Explorer.
  3. Right-click on it and select Restart.
  4. The screen may flicker briefly as Explorer restarts.

After this, try dragging and dropping files again. This often fixes minor glitches without further steps.

Step 2: Check Drag and Drop Distance Settings

Windows has a setting that controls how far you must move the mouse before a drag action starts. If this distance is too long, drag and drop may not work as expected.

To check and fix this:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to the following path:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktop
  4. Find the values DragHeight and DragWidth.
  5. Double-click each one and set their value data to 4 (default value).
  6. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
  7. Restart your computer to apply changes.

This ensures Windows recognizes small drag movements correctly.

Step 3: Disable Tablet Mode

Tablet Mode optimizes Windows 10 for touch devices but can interfere with drag and drop using a mouse.

To turn off Tablet Mode:

  1. Click the Notification Center icon at the bottom right of your screen.
  2. Look for the Tablet Mode button. If it’s highlighted, click it to turn it off.
  3. Try drag and drop again after disabling Tablet Mode.

Disabling Tablet Mode allows normal mouse behavior, often fixing drag and drop issues.

Step 4: Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Corrupted system files can cause drag and drop to malfunction. The System File Checker tool scans and repairs these files.

Here’s how to run it:

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd.
  2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. In the command window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  4. Wait for the scan to complete. It may take several minutes.
  5. If it finds and fixes issues, restart your computer.

This process helps repair damaged system files that could disrupt drag and drop functionality.

Step 5: Check for Third-Party Software Conflicts

Some third-party programs, especially clipboard managers or custom mouse software, can interfere with drag and drop.

To check for conflicts:

  1. Restart your computer in Safe Mode (only essential drivers and services run).
  2. Try drag and drop in Safe Mode.
  3. If it works here, a third-party app is likely causing the problem.
  4. Restart in normal mode and try disabling or uninstalling recent software that might affect mouse or file operations.

This helps isolate and remove software that disrupts drag and drop.

Alternative Method: Use the “Click and Hold” Technique

If drag and drop still doesn’t work, try an alternative:

  • Click and hold the file or folder you want to move.
  • While holding the click, slowly drag the item to the destination.
  • Release the mouse button to drop the item.

This method sometimes works around minor drag and drop bugs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does drag and drop stop working suddenly?

It can be caused by temporary glitches, corrupted system files, software conflicts, or changes in settings such as Tablet Mode or drag distance values.

Can an outdated Windows update cause this issue?

Yes, missing important updates or bugs in certain versions can cause drag and drop problems. Keeping Windows updated is important.

Is it safe to edit the registry to fix drag and drop?

Yes, if you carefully follow instructions. Always back up the registry before making changes to avoid accidental issues.

Will restarting Windows Explorer affect my open programs?

Restarting Explorer closes and reopens the taskbar and desktop, but open apps remain running. You may notice a brief flicker.

How do I restart in Safe Mode?

Press Windows + R, type msconfig, hit Enter, go to the Boot tab, select Safe boot, and restart your PC. Remember to uncheck this after troubleshooting.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps restore drag and drop functionality, consider these final options:

  • Create a new user account: Sometimes user profiles get corrupted. A new account may work without issues.
  • Run Windows Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot and run relevant troubleshooters.
  • Reset Windows 10: As a last resort, you can reset Windows while keeping your files. This reinstalls system files and fixes deep issues.
  • Visit the official Microsoft support page: Microsoft Support

Conclusion

Drag and drop is an essential feature for easy file management in Windows 10. When it stops working, it can slow down your workflow. By following the steps above, starting with simple restarts and progressing to more detailed fixes, you can usually restore this functionality quickly.

Remember to check basic settings like Tablet Mode and drag distance, run system scans, and look for interfering software. If problems persist, advanced options or Microsoft support can help.

With patience and these clear steps, you can get your drag and drop feature working smoothly again.

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