• Microsoft killed the drag and drop functionality in Windows 11's taskbar.
• Although they may introduce a similar feature in the coming days, you are looking for a workaround to make your tasks easier.
• You can use the split-screen option, modify the Registry, or opt for a third-party tool, amongst others, to combat the problem.

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Of all the changes that users noticed in Windows 11, drag and drop not working was something that struck them the most. This feature has been a part of the Windows ecosystem for a long time and going by the comments, users are not pleased with its discontinuation.

A feature that we all heavily relied on is absent from Windows 11. Users thought of it to be a bug in the initial version but Microsoft was quick to acknowledge that the feature has been removed.

Other changes pertaining to the taskbar include the inability to launch the Task Manager from the right-click context menu, and dropping apps in the taskbar to create their shortcut.

So, what do you do? There are a few workarounds that could get you similar results and we have listed them all in the following sections. Else, you can get used to the new interface and execute tasks accordingly.

Has Microsoft permanently disabled drag and drop in Windows 11?

After the drag and drop not working in Windows 11 problem was raised by several users, Microsoft issued a response:

Currently, dragging a file onto an app in the taskbar to open it in that app is not supported in Windows 11, but we appreciate all your feedback, and we’ll continue to use it to help guide the future of features like this.

Based on this statement, we may expect the drag and drop feature somewhere down the line from Microsoft, but for the time being, you are left to fend for yourself.

What can I do if drag and drop isn’t working in Windows 11?

1. Use the Alt + Tab shortcut

Select it, press and hold the left mouse button, and drag the file a little.

With the file still grabbed, press the Alt + Tab keys to view all the apps open in the taskbar.

Release Alt when the desired destination is selected.

Once the destination window launches, release the left click to drop the file.

This way you can easily move files between apps and get rid of the drag and drop feature not working problem.

Although it will take you some time to get acquainted with the process, once that phase is over, you will find this method convenient and quick. Just practice for a while until you get a knack for it.

2. Open the two windows in split screen

Open the one where the file to be dragged and dropped is saved, hover the cursor over the maximize button, and select the first option to snap the current window into half of the screen.

In the other half, you will find listed all the additonal open apps. Select the one where you want to drop the file/folder.

Now, select the file that is to be moved. Press and hold the left mouse button, drag the file across windows and release the click when you reach the other one.

The split-screen method in Windows 11 works great if you just have to move files between two locations. In the above case, we took two File Explorer windows, however, you can replace one or both of them with other apps. This is a quick solution to the annoying drag and drop problem.

For some apps, there may be an additional confirmation box to complete the drag and drop procedure. Choose the appropriate response and get done with it.

3. Use the cut and paste operation

Right-click on it and select Cut, or as the procedure may be for that particular program.

Right-click and select Paste, or according to the procedure for that particular program.

Again, a simple workaround for drag and drop not working in Windows 11. However, it’s not as effective as the other two since it requires a tad more time and effort.

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Also, some apps don’t support the Cut operation, in which case, you will have to copy the file/folder and move it to the desired location. Once done, go to the source and delete the concerned file.

Those who prefer the keyboard shortcuts can use Ctrl + X to Cut, Ctrl + C to Copy, and Ctrl + V to Paste.

4. Modify the Registry

Type regedit in the text field, and either click on OK or press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.

Click Yes on the UAC prompt that appears.

Now either navigate to the following path using the pane on the left, or paste it in the address bar at the top and hit Enter:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell\Update\Packages

Right-click on the empty space, hover the cursor over New, select DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it as UndockingDisabled. This key will fix the problem in no time.

Right-click on it and select Modify from the context menu.

Enter 1 in the field under Value data and click on OK to save the changes.

Locate the Windows Explorer process, right-click on it, and select Restart from the context menu.

The taskbar may disappear for a few moments and once it reappears, you will notice that the icons are all aligned to the left. You can now easily pin items to the taskbar as we did in the previous iterations of Windows.

But, there’s a major downside to this method. After making changes to the registry, you wouldn’t be able to launch the Start or Search menu, and Cortana if it’s enabled, by clicking the respective buttons in the taskbar. However, they can still be accessed via other methods.

In case you are willing to make the sacrifice, no other method mentioned above can match the effectiveness of this one.

If the above solutions don’t meet your requirements or some critical functionalities are still left out, you can find a way to bring back the old taskbar and Start menu.

These are all the methods you can go for when the drag and drop function is not working in Windows 11. Although they aren’t as good as the built-in functionality, they do the trick until Microsoft releases a similar feature.

Once you have the drag and drop working in Windows 11, pin as many apps to the taskbar. Or, drop files to the processes in the taskbar to launch in that particular app.

Even more, apply these useful tips if the left mouse button drag doesn’t work. Even though it is a Windows 10 guide, rest assured they are the same as in Windows 11.

And if you change your mind and roll back to the previous OS, take a look at these quick fixes if you can’t drag and drop items in Windows 10. Moving paragraphs, files, or folders around will work like a charm once again.

Let us know your thoughts on Microsoft killing the drag and drop operation and the method you opted for in the comments section below.

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