How to Use Drag-and-Drop File Sharing in Windows 11
Windows 11 lets you share files using drag-and-drop, a quick way to send items like pictures or documents straight from your desktop or File Explorer.
This built-in tool makes sharing faster by letting you move files directly to contacts or apps without extra steps.
For example, you can drag a file onto a chat in Microsoft Teams to share it instantly with a coworker.
This drag-and-drop method is simpler and often quicker than copying and pasting or using cloud services for moving files between locations on your PC or other devices.
Drag and drop files by clicking a file and holding, then dragging it to the top of your screen to reveal the sharing tray. Drop the file onto your desired app in the tray to share it. This feature requires enabling via ViVeTool in Windows Insider builds.
What is Drag-and-Drop Sharing?
When you drag a file from File Explorer or your desktop, a small tray appears at the top of your screen. This tray shows apps ready to receive your file, offering a quick way to share.
Why Use This Feature?
It saves time. Rather than opening an app and searching for a file, you can drag and drop. Sharing becomes more efficient.
How to Turn On This Feature
This feature is new and currently available only in special versions of Windows 11 called Insider Builds, which are preview versions for testing new features. To enable this feature, a tool called ViVeTool is required (it helps unlock hidden features). This process is quite manageable.
Step 1Download ViVeTool
How to Enable Hidden Features with ViVeTool
Step 2Open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal
Press the Windows key + S on your keyboard. Then type ‘Command Prompt’ or ‘Windows Terminal’ and select it to open.
⚠️ Administrator privileges are required. Right-click on the app and select ‘Run as administrator.’
Step 3Enable Drag-and-Drop Sharing
Type or copy this command and press Enter:
vivetool /enable /id:45624564,53397005
After running the command, restart your computer.
How to Share Files Using Drag-and-Drop
- Find the file you want to share on your desktop or in File Explorer.
- Click and hold the file. Drag it towards the top of your screen.
- The sharing tray will appear. It shows apps you can drop your file onto.
- Drop the file on the app you want to share it with. Need more options? Select “More…” to open the Windows share window.
Find the file you want to share on your desktop or in File Explorer. Click and hold the file, then drag it towards the top of your screen. The sharing tray will appear, showing apps ready to receive the file.
Windows 11’s drag-and-drop file sharing simplifies sending files by allowing you to drag them to a share tray at the top of the screen. Locate the file you want to send, then click and hold that file. Drag the file to the top of your screen, and a sharing tray appears. This tray displays applications where you can drop the file to share it instantly.
Summary
Windows 11’s drag-and-drop file sharing simplifies sending files by allowing you to drag them to a share tray at the top of the screen.
More info from Microsoft: Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4950 (Beta)
How to enable drag to share in 🪟 Windows 11?
To turn on drag to share in Windows 11, open the file you want to send and drag it to the top of your screen.
Does 🪟 Windows 11 support drag and drop?
It will function once Microsoft officially announces it. You can also drag and drop files to the Snipping Tool, for example. If you want to make simple edits to an image, that is also possible.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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