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Why can't I drag and drop documents into folder on desktop post macOS sonoma?

I used to be able to drag and drop document into files on my MacBook Pro desktop and after the update it now won't work? I have tried changing the settings and nothing seems to work...

Posted on Oct 12, 2023 3:34 AM

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Posted on Mar 21, 2024 2:24 PM

Relaunching Finder (🍎 > Force Quit > Finder > Relaunch) was the solution that worked for me.

38 replies

Oct 12, 2023 4:53 AM in response to John Galt

I have only changed trackpad settings, but have put them back to what they where. A box comes up saying ‘prepaying to move…’ but it doesn’t actually move the documents into the file. I just can’t understand why I can’t just drag and drop like I could before the update?

I have restarted my Mac a few times and it still doesn’t work. Thanks

Apr 10, 2024 6:16 AM in response to Powerofthetoe

I know why this happens. It is not about system settings. It is that if you tap with a tiny tip of your finger, it doesn't work. You have to first tap touch pad to select a file, then with forefinger so that LARGE part of your finger touches the touch pad do the drag and drop. Don't make the touch pad click, but just touch the touchpad with large part of your finger touching the touchpad. Works every time, after I realised it.


I got intel-based 2020 macbook air. I think it is about a particular type of touchpads that doesn't work like other macbook touchpads.

Jul 2, 2024 6:39 PM in response to seekir

seekir wrote:

vesque (see above) had the solution that worked for me. In OS Sonoma on my MacBook, a lighter pressure on the trackpad till a subtle click is felt will permit drag and drop. Firm pressure opens a preview of the file. Extremely annoying to those of us who are accustomed to the old click and drag but are uninformed about this feature.

Turn off the Force Click gesture, or don’t press that hard.

Why can't I drag and drop documents into folder on desktop post macOS sonoma?

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