Alex Ruben
How to Resolve Drag and Drop Issues in Windows 10/11
In this guide, you will learn how to fix the drag and drop functionality in Windows 10 and 11, a crucial feature for managing files and folders effortlessly. We cover various methods to troubleshoot and resolve the issue, ensuring you can navigate your system efficiently.
Step 1: Restart Windows Explorer
Sometimes, restarting the Windows Explorer can resolve temporary glitches. To do this:
- Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together to open the Task Manager.
- In the Task Manager, find “Windows Explorer” in the list of processes.
- Right-click on “Windows Explorer” and select “End task”.
- After ending the task, click on “File” at the top left corner of the Task Manager and select “Run new task”. Type
explorer.exeand hit Enter to restart Explorer.
Step 2: Reset the Explorer.exe Process Settings
Adjusting the performance settings can help with drag and drop functionality:
- Open Settings by pressing the Windows + i hotkey.
- Navigate to “System” and then click on “About”.
- In the “About” section, select “Advanced system settings”.
- Under “Performance”, click on “Settings”.
- Switch to the “Advanced” tab and select “Programs” under the “Adjust for best performance of” option.
- Click on “Change” under the “Virtual memory” section.
- Ensure that the “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives” option is checked, then click “OK” and “Apply” before closing the windows.
Step 3: Run SFC and DISM Scans
If the issue persists, running system file checks can help:
- Open the Start menu, type
Command Promptin the search bar, and select “Run as administrator”. Confirm with Yes if the User Account Control prompt appears. - In the elevated Command Prompt window, type the following command to perform an SFC scan:
sfc /scannowand press Enter. - Wait for the scan to complete. If the SFC scan does not find or repair any corrupt files, you can run a DISM scan:
- In the same Command Prompt window, type the following command:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealthand press Enter. Wait for this process to finish as well.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are a few extra tips and common issues related to drag and drop functionality:
- Ensure your mouse drivers are up to date, as outdated or corrupt drivers can cause issues.
- Check for the presence of any third-party applications that may interfere with Windows functionality, especially clipboard managers or customization tools.
- Make sure Windows is not currently executing a previous drag and drop action, as this can lock the UI.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve drag and drop issues in Windows 10 and 11 effectively. Remember to keep your system updates and drivers maintained for smoother operation. If you encounter further problems, consider checking more in-depth guides or reaching out to Windows support.