Encountering issues with drag and drop functionality on Discord can be quite frustrating. We’re here to tackle this inconvenience and guide you through potential fixes. Discord’s drag and drop feature enhances the user experience by allowing for easier file sharing, message management, and channel organization. When it’s not working, it disrupts our seamless interaction within the platform.

One primary cause of the drag and drop issues is related to permissions. Some of us may unknowingly run Discord with administrative privileges, which can interfere with the drag and drop capability. Large file sizes can also trigger problems, as Discord has limits on the file size that can be smoothly dragged and dropped.
We’ve scoured through user experiences and official guidelines to collate a list of solutions; they range from checking permissions to modifying system settings. An important step is to confirm whether the issue persists across different servers or is confined to a single channel, helping us pinpoint if the problem is with the app or specific server settings.
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Preliminary Checks for Discord Drag & Drop Issues
We all know how frustrating it can be when Discord’s drag & drop feature stops working. Before delving deeper, let’s ensure some basic points are checked off, which are often overlooked yet crucial for the drag & drop functionality.

Verify User Permissions
- Right-click on the channel where you want to share files.
- Click ‘Edit Channel’ and navigate to ‘Permissions’.
- Verify that ‘Attach Files’ and ‘Read & Send Messages’ are enabled for your role.
Check File Restrictions
| Feature | Non-Nitro Users | Nitro Users |
| Max File Size | 8MB | 100MB |
Ensure that the file isn’t too large for your account’s upload limit. If the file is within permissible limits but still won’t upload, it might be an unsupported file type or a corrupted file. For best results, stick to common file types like .jpg, .png, or .gif for images and .mp4 or .webm for videos.
Common Fixes for Drag & Drop Functionality
In our experience, ensuring smooth functionality of Discord’s drag and drop feature involves a few critical Windows settings and adjustments within Discord itself. Let’s guide you through some specific solutions.
Resolve Windows Setting Conflicts
We’ve often found that running Discord without administrative privileges can enhance drag-and-drop performance. If your problems began after a Windows update, certain settings might need to be reconfigured. For instance, tweaking the User Account Control settings has helped us, especially on Windows 10. Here’s a quick way to adjust it:
Repair Corrupted System Files
Occasionally, system files corruption can lead to functionality issues. Luckily, PC users have built-in Windows tools to handle this. We usually start with the System File Checker (SFC) to repair any corrupted files that might be hindering Discord’s operation. Here are the steps:
| Instructions |
| 1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator. |
| 2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. |
| 3. Wait for the scan and repair to complete. |
Adjust Discord Settings
In our troubleshooting steps, we also ensure that file explorer settings do not impede drag-and-drop functionality. Compatibility between file explorer and Discord is key. However, checking if Discord itself is up to date is also crucial – outdated versions may lack support for newer operating system features.
Always make sure you have the latest Discord update installed. Additionally, resetting Discord’s settings can also refresh the application’s ability to interact with system resources properly. This quick reset sometimes proves to be the simplest fix to reinstate the drag-and-drop feature.
Reinstallation as a Solution
When Discord’s drag and drop feature isn’t working, reinstalling the software can often resolve the issue. This process entails completely removing the current installation and then installing the latest version from Discord’s official website. Here’s how we can do this on a Windows system step by step.
Uninstalling Discord
Step 1. To start, we need to ensure that Discord is fully closed. If it’s running in the system tray (near the clock), right-click on the Discord icon and select ‘Quit’.
Step 2. Open the ‘Control Panel’ and go to ‘Programs and Features’. Find Discord in the list, click it to select, and then click ‘Uninstall’. Confirm any prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Step 3. To ensure that all files related to Discord are removed, we may also need to check the installation directory (usually located in C:\Users[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Discord) and delete any remaining files manually. Use the Run dialog (Win+R) and type ‘%appdata%’ to find the local Discord folder quickly.
Reinstalling Discord
Step 1. After uninstallation, we can navigate to the official Discord website in our web browser to download the latest version of the software.
Step 2. Once the download is complete, open the installation file and follow the instructions to install Discord. These steps are straightforward and typically involve agreeing to terms, selecting an installation location, and confirming the installation.
Step 3. After reinstalling, log in to Discord with our credentials. We should now test if the drag and drop feature has been restored by dragging a small file into a Discord chat.
Reinstalling Discord is a reliable method for fixing various issues, including the drag and drop functionality not working. As with any software, ensuring we run the most up-to-date version can prevent bugs and improve overall performance. Remember to only download Discord from the official website to avoid potential security risks from third-party sites.