Can't Drag File Out of OneDrive to Computer? Here's How to Fix It

Preface

There are several reasons why you might not be able to drag files from OneDrive to your computer. For example, there could be network settings, software settings, or various system issues. When you can’t drag files, it can be difficult to access your data easily. Let’s take a look at some of the common reasons why you might not be able to drag files from OneDrive to your local drive or desktop.

Why Can't Drag File Out of OneDrive to Computer?

► OneDrive sync issues: Sometimes OneDrive doesn’t sync properly. You might not be able to see your files at all or access the latest version of them due to server issues or network failures.

► Insufficient permissions: If you’re sharing files or working in a corporate environment, you might not have permission to move files. Your admin settings might restrict you from dragging and moving files in OneDrive.

► Outdated OneDrive app: Using an outdated version of the OneDrive app can cause a number of issues, including not being able to drag and drop files. Keeping the app up to date can fix many issues.

► Problems in Windows Explorer: File Explorer can behave strangely if the problem is solved by refreshing/close the application. A minor glitch might be preventing the dragging action from working as intended.

► Files Regulation of Size or Type: OneDrive has its rules for file types including their size limits. Trouble may happen when you attempt to upload an oversized file.

► Connection Problems: Unstable Internet connectivity can affect how well OneDrive works on your computer. If you are moving files and your network breaks down, then errors occur.

► Conflicts with third-party software: Security apps or other applications run beyond your control, interfering with OneDrive operation and hindering your ability to drag files.

After considering some of the possible causes, let’s talk about how to move files from OneDrive to your desktop and resolve the issue.

How to Fix Can't Drag File out of OneDrive to Computer

Here are eight ways to fix the “Can’t drag files from OneDrive to your computer” issue. Each method is organized into clear and simple steps, making it easy to apply.

Solution 1. Check the Sync Status of OneDrive

1. Open OneDrive: To access OneDrive, click the cloud icon in the system tray.

2. View Sync Status: Make sure the sync status says “Up to date.” If you see a notification about a sync issue, click here.

3. Start a new sync: If a sync is interrupted, click “Continue syncing” or restart your computer. Troubleshooting

Solution 2. Check File Permissions

1. Right-click the File: To select a file, right-click on it: Go to the file you want to drag from OneDrive.

2. Choose what to share: Select the "Share" option to view sharing settings.

3. Check permissions: Make sure you have permission to change or create new files. If not, ask the file owner for access.

Solution 3. Update OneDrive

1. Open OneDrive: Click on the OneDrive icon.

2. Specify access settings: Go to "Help & Settings" and select "Settings."

3. Check for updates: Click "Version" under the "About" tab to check for updates. Follow the instructions to install the updates.

Solution 4. Restart Windows Explorer

1. Open Task Manager: To access Task Manager, right-click on the taskbar and select it.

2. Search Windows Explorer: View the list of processes for "Windows Explorer"

3. Start a new process: Right-click and select "Restart." This may improve your file browsing system.

Solution 5. Change the File Format or Reduce the File Size

1. Check the file size: If the file size exceeds 15GB, it exceeds OneDrive's limits, so we recommend compressing the file.

2. Change the file format: Try converting the file to a different format before dragging it. This is when the file format is not supported.

Solution 6. Fix Network Issues

1. Check your internet connection: Please confirm if your internet is stable. If possible, use a wired connection.

2. Restart your router: To reset your network, unplug your router for about 10 seconds and plug it back in.

Solution 7. Disabling Third-party Applications

1. Identify conflicting software: Think about any security software or other applications that might interfere.

2. Temporarily disable: Right-click the program icon in your system tray and select “Exit” or “Disable.”

3. Try dragging again: See if you can now drag files from OneDrive.

Solution 8. Using the OneDrive Web Interface

1. Access OneDrive online: Please visit the OneDrive page and log in.

2. Search for files: Please navigate to the file you want to download.

3. Download directly: Click on the file and select "Download". If dragging doesn't work as expected, here's a reliable alternative.

Bonus Tip: Transfer or Sync Files between OneDrive and Other Cloud Services

This article addresses the issue of “can't drag file out of OneDrive to computer”. If you’re considering migrating files from your current cloud service to OneDrive, or vice versa, MultCloud can be extremely useful. Trusted by over 3 million users, MultCloud is a multi-cloud management tool that facilitates the transfer or synchronization of files between various cloud services.

For instance, it allows for seamless file transfers from cloud drives like Google Drive to OneDrive without the need to download and then re-upload files. MultCloud also enables you to access and manage all your cloud accounts via a single application. Currently, it supports more than 30 different cloud services, including Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, Google Photos, iCloud Photos, FTP, WebDAV, and more.

Conclusion

Getting stuck on the issue of being unable to move files from OneDrive to the computer may be very annoying at some point, but it is mostly solvable at many times. To resolve this problem, you need to understand what is causing it. Whether it’s synchronization problems, permissions given for the files on your system, or even conflicts from software running in the background – having this information will help you come up with an effective way out of this. Following these steps should enable you to overcome the challenge hence resume your normal duties easily.

If there are still problems, call Microsoft support. With these alternatives in place, you’re good to go when the question of moving files from OneDrive to Desktop keeps coming up. Hence, we can say goodbye to poor management of files.