How to Use Drag-and-Drop File Sharing in Windows 11
Drag-and-drop file sharing in Windows 11 lets you send pictures, videos, and documents directly from your desktop or File Explorer to nearby devices, open apps, and chat windows.
This built-in tool moves files instantly without making you use cloud storage, USB drives, or email attachments.
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?
Dragging any file from File Explorer or the desktop triggers a small tray at the top of the screen. This interface displays apps ready to accept the file for immediate sharing.
Why Use This Feature?
Efficiency gains come from bypassing app menus. Moving files straight into position saves valuable seconds during busy workflows.
How to Turn On This Feature
This functionality currently lives inside Windows 11 Insider Builds, which are preview releases for testing unreleased features. Unlocking this hidden capability requires ViVeTool, a popular open-source utility for managing experimental Windows settings .
Step 1Download ViVeTool
How to Enable Hidden Features with ViVeTool
Step 2Open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal
Press the Windows key + S on the keyboard. Type 'Command Prompt' or 'Windows Terminal' into the search bar to locate the app.
⚠️ 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
Reboot the computer to apply the changes after running the command.
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.
Locate a target file on the desktop or inside File Explorer. Click and hold the item while dragging it toward the top edge of the display. The sharing tray materializes, revealing compatible apps waiting to accept the transfer.
Windows 11 handles file movement by displaying a dedicated share tray along the top border of the monitor. Clicking and holding any document or image before dragging it upward summons this interface. Dropping the item onto any listed application completes the transfer.
Summary
Microsoft details this functionality in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4950 (Beta). Once the feature rolls out broadly, dragging files to the top of the screen will work natively without any workarounds.
More info from Microsoft: Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4950 (Beta)
How to enable drag to share in 🪟 Windows 11?
Dragging files to the top of the screen activates the sharing interface once the feature is active on the system.
Does 🪟 Windows 11 support drag and drop?
Native support arrives alongside an official public rollout from Microsoft. Dragging files into utilities like the Snipping Tool already functions for quick image edits.
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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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