How to Enable Drag-and-Drop to the Taskbar in Windows 11

Windows 11 introduced a host of new design changes, including a redesigned taskbar. However, many users noticed that the drag-and-drop function to the taskbar is disabled by default, which is inconvenient for those accustomed to this feature in previous versions of Windows. If you want to restore this functionality, follow the steps below.

Methods to Enable Taskbar Drag-and-Drop in Windows 11

There are a few ways to bring back drag-and-drop functionality to the Windows 11 taskbar. We’ll cover both built-in settings and third-party tools that can help you restore this familiar feature.

1. Update Your System to the Latest Version

Microsoft frequently releases updates for Windows 11, some of which reintroduce features missing from the original release. To make sure your system is up-to-date, follow these steps:

  • Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  • Go to the Update & Security section.
  • Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

After updating, check to see if drag-and-drop functionality has been restored. If not, proceed to the next step.

2. Enable Drag-and-Drop through the Registry

One option is to make changes in the Windows Registry to re-enable drag-and-drop on the taskbar. Note that editing the registry can affect system functionality, so proceed with caution:

  1. Press Win + R to open Run, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell\Update\Packages.
  3. Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named UndockingDisabled and set it to 1.
  4. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

If drag-and-drop is still disabled, you may need to use third-party software to reintroduce it.

3. Use Third-Party Programs to Restore Drag-and-Drop

If the previous methods didn’t work, you can try using third-party utilities that restore some Windows 10 features in Windows 11. One popular tool is StartIsBack, which can bring back familiar taskbar functions, including drag-and-drop.

To use StartIsBack, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install the program from the official StartIsBack website.
  2. Configure taskbar settings through the program’s interface and select the option to enable drag-and-drop.

After completing these steps, the drag-and-drop feature should be restored. Note that StartIsBack may require a purchase, but it offers a free trial period.