It can be frustrating when you are dealing with drag-and-drop not working in Outlook. When you click a file, trying to pull it into an Outlook folder but nothing happens, the file goes back to where it was. This is a common issue but the good news is that it is very easy to fix.

You need a solution as your whole day slows down when the drag-and-drop method stops working. You need a solution to this problem whether you are moving one or a hundred files. Today we will look at why you see drag-and-drop not working in Outlook and also the steps to fix the problem of drag-and-drop not working in Outlook using the manual as well as the professional methods like the SysTools MSG to PST Converter Tool.

What is the Drag-and-Drop Method?

Drag-and-Drop is the method in which you use your mouse to grab a file, like an MSG or EML email and pull it into your Outlook folder.

The important thing that you should know is that this method is available only on the Classic Outlook. If you are using the New Outlook or the web version then this method is not available there because those versions do not support it yet. In these versions you have the Upload button instead of the drag-and-drop one.

Why did the Drag-And-Drop Method Stop Working?

Microsoft has changed how Outlook works in its new updates and you might see the drag-and-drop not working in Outlook due to the following reasons:

• New Updates: A Windows update has changed the settings of your mouse.
• Wrong Version: You are not using the Classic Outlook as the drag-and-drop method is only available on the Classic Outlook.
• Antivirus: Sometimes the security software stops the downloads to keep you safe.

Method 1: Fix The Drag-And-Drop Issue Using The ESC Key Reset

Sometimes Windows does not realise that you are trying to move a file when it gets stuck. When something like this happens, you can follow the steps mentioned below to fix the problem of drag-and-drop not working in Outlook.

1. Click any file on your computer.
2. Click the ESC key on your keyboard 3 or 4 times.
3. This wakes up the mouse, fixes the error and now you can try to drag your file into Outlook.

Method 2: Check Your Admin Settings

Windows will block you from moving files if you opened Outlook as an administrator but your file folder is open normally. This is a common reason for the drag-and-drop not working in Outlook Classic. You can use the following steps to fix this problem.

1. Close Microsoft Outlook.
2. After some time open it by clicking the icon.
3. Check if the drag-and-drop not working in Outlook error is fixed.

Method 3: Managing Different Files to Fix The Drag-And-Drop Error

There are different types of files that you might be trying to move.

• MSG is an email that is saved from Outlook.
• EML is a single email from Gmail or other applications.
• MBOX is a giant file that holds hundreds of emails at once.

Microsoft Outlook does not know how to read the file format just by pulling it in and this is the reason you find drag-and-drop not working in Outlook for these files. This method has stopped working for the MBOX file because it is too complex for a mouse move.

Note: If you want to know the best MSG to PST Converter Tool, you can find it here.

Method 4: The Professional Solution to the Drag-And-Drop Error

You can use the automated tool instead of fighting with your mouse. The PST file is easier to import these files as it is Outlook's native language.

Why Use This Tool?

• Saves time: You can move thousands of emails in a few clicks as you do not have to drag the files one by one.
• No errors: Outlook does not freeze or show any errors as you are importing a single file.
• Keeps everything organized: It keeps your folders, dates and attachments where they should be.
• Safe for Large Files: It is a better solution for big attachments like large PDFs than the drag-and-drop method.

Now that we know why this tool is important let's look at how to use it:

1. Open the Tool: Download the tool and open it for your file type.
2. Add Files: Click Add File and select all your MSG files.
3. Choose PST: Tell the tool you want a PST file as the result.
4. Convert: Click Export and the tool will put everything into one file.
5. Import: Go to File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File in Outlook. Pick your new PST and there will be no more drag-and-drop not working in Outlook error.

Summary

There is always a way to get your files where they need to go whether you use the ESC key for a quick fix or realise that you need to be in the Classic Outlook. 

If you want to fix the problem of the drag-and-drop not working in Outlook, always try the ESC key first and make sure that you are not running as an administrator. You should also remember that the drag-and-drop not working in Classic Outlook can be due to a permission or folder issue. 

The most effective way to fix the drag-and-drop problem is to turn the files into a PST file using a professional tool if you have a lot of files like MSG, EML or MBOX. Follow these steps and you can stop struggling with your mouse and get back to important emails.