Dragging doesn't work on MacBook Pro Big Sur

Question

Level 1

8 points

Dragging doesn't work on MacBook Pro Big Sur

I had the problem before, a little bit on and off, and couldn't figure out what was wrong and when it changed. But now it seems to have gotten worse.

I can't drag anything, i.e. all functions with holding one finger down don't work, no window size adjustments, no drag and drop of files, no movements of windows between desktops.

Before answering please know

I have restarted the Mac
I have relaunched Finder
I have deleted plist files
those functions also don't work in safe mode

In addition, right-click is also mostly not working. In Skype, for example, it works, but in Firefox it doesn't.

So I have tried pretty much all I could find and the problem persists. Any ideas? Cause this way the use of this MacBook is highly impacted!

Windows

Posted on Oct 9, 2023 6:47 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

D.I. Johnson

Level 8

36,655 points

Oct 9, 2023 7:08 PM in response to svenja86

To be honest, this sounds like a hardware issue to me, and that would likely mean a trackpad replacement. However, it may be worth a shot to reinstall the macOS before subjecting yourself to the expense of a shop visit.

Reinstalling macOS does not have to erase your user data. The only time that should happen is if you choose to delete, erase, format or partition your startup drive.

Before proceeding with this process, please ensure that you have a current Time Machine backup of your computer. If you do not back up your Mac, then this may be a hard lesson if things go sideways.

To non-destructively reinstall macOS as a troubleshooting measure - without deleting user files, documents, pics and vids, etc. – you must boot your Mac in Recovery mode by restarting and when you hear the startup chime press the Command-R (⌘R) keys until you see the Apple logo and progress bar. Use a wired USB keyboard for this.

Follow this guidance to “Reinstall macOS…”.

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

NOTE– You should NOT have to delete, erase, format, partition or otherwise alter your startup disk for this. If that becomes an option, quit the process and restart your Mac. Then come back here for additional advice.

Reply

Answer 2

TheLittles

Level 10

205,321 points

Oct 9, 2023 7:16 PM in response to svenja86

svenja86 Said:

"Dragging doesn't work on MacBook Pro Big Sur: I had the problem before, a little bit on and off, and couldn't figure out what was wrong and when it changed. But now it seems to have gotten worse.[...]"

-------

Troubleshooting Mac Drag-&-Drop:

A. Single-Out this User:

What happens when you create a new Administrator user? do you still get this error? If not, then it it like an issue with the configurations of the current user. If so, then it is an issue of the macOS, in which case, you'd need to reinstall it. Once done troubleshooting with it, you can simply just trash this user you've just created.

B. Restore from a Backup:

Any recent Backups?: If you backed up your Mac prior to updating it then, restore form it. Sometimes, an update can fail due to power issues, or losing connection to Apple's servers. So, know to always back up your Mac prior to making any major changes to it, successfully as au update. In doing so, you with have something to restore store your Mac from from, should anything go wrong with the upgrade.

Reply

Answer 3

Oct 9, 2023 8:15 PM in response to svenja86

A wired keyboard because very often when troubleshooting requires booting into Recovery or Safe modes, triggering the appropriate computer response can be tricky because a wireless keyboard may not connect quickly enough to the computer at startup for the keystrokes to be recognized. USB keyboards don't typically experience this sort of lag so the process is easier to initiate.

I would suggest you spend $20 on a USB keyboard and mouse set and keep them close... for exactly this sort of problem solving.

Yes, it's very possible that a mouse would allow you to work around the dragging issues you're having with the trackpad. In fact, an external trackpad could be used as well.

Reply

Answer 4

Oct 9, 2023 6:51 PM in response to svenja86

How old is this MacBook?

Does normal trackpad clicking work? Not touch/tap, but physical press to click?

What macOS version are you running?

Reply

Answer 5

svenja86 Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 9, 2023 7:54 PM in response to TheLittles

I'm just one week in on my 5-week trip so I don't have my HDD with me where I have the backup and it will take until I have access again. So, perfect timing, as usual.

As soon as I get back and settled I will try the restore if nothing else happens in the meantime.

I don't understand how it can be a hardware issue when it works differently well with different programs. Doesn't that sound more like a software issue? Right-click works on some programs but not on others.

Regarding the second admin, I did that. It's easier said than done 'just' using the new one as I don't even seem to have access to my files with that new user. Probably I've done something wrong but ya, that's what it is now, a new user who had to log in with Apple ID and documents etc are not shown. But the dragging of files in the Finder doesn't work. So probably it's useless setting it up further.

Sometimes I'm thinking to going back to another version like Catalina. I think I had less problems on that one but I don't know if that could cure anything like this and if it would interfere with any programs plus I don't know how to yet.

Reply

Answer 6

svenja86 Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 9, 2023 7:57 PM in response to D.I. Johnson

D.I. Johnson wrote:

Use a wired USB keyboard for this.

Why a wired keyboard? Cause I don't have one and usually around me people don't use them, hence there is no one to borrow from.

Sould using a mouse fix the issue with the dragging?

Reply

Answer 7

TheLittles

Level 10

205,321 points

Oct 9, 2023 8:12 PM in response to svenja86

svenja86 Said:

"Dragging doesn't work on MacBook Pro Big Sur: [...]Regarding the second admin, I did that. It's easier said than done 'just' using the new one as I don't even seem to have access to my files with that new user. Probably I've done something wrong but ya, that's what it is now, a new user who had to log in with Apple ID and documents etc are not shown. But the dragging of files in the Finder doesn't work. So probably it's useless setting it up further.[...]"

-------

New User Still Giving the Issue:

So, if Dragging & Dropping didnt work, then its an issue with the macOS. So, do as D.I. Johnson recommend in their second link.

Reply

Answer 8

TheLittles

Level 10

205,321 points

Oct 9, 2023 8:16 PM in response to svenja86

svenja86 Said:

"Ok thanks. As said, for having access to my backup I need to be back home again. ****! Thanks to you both for your help. I will post an update once I get to it."

-------

You are most welcome. Get an external hard drive, where you are located, if an option to you.

Reply

Answer 9

svenja86 Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 10, 2023 6:21 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

Ah, ok. Normally I use the regular laptop keyboard as I have been travelling a lot in the last few years and I also like that type of keyboard with the flat keys. But maybe I'll get something external when I get back and sure, then I'll go for a wired one, anyway, always. And not sure if they sell cheap keyboards for me here in Japan lol

But the mouse or trackpad might be a thing I'll look for in the next few days.

Regarding another hard drive, that would be out of my budget right now due to the travels and I already have two. So I'll have to be patient. Maybe the mouse/trackpad, if I find one will already do the job. And then better start saving for a new computer.

Reply

Answer 10

svenja86 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 19, 2023 11:51 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

Hi again,

I finally got back and got settled enough to try to reinstall the system software. I had to cancel it once so far as there wasn't enough space on the disc. I deleted a bunch and I hope it's enough now. It should.

Then I noticed, when starting the process I couldn't use the built-in keyboard or trackpad to do anything but move the cursor! I had already found out before that I can drag and drop with my drawing tablet so I can use this as a mouse. I'm just worried I will need to type in any passwords in between which would be impossible with only the tablet. As said, I got to the point of choosing the HDD where iOS should be reinstalled. You only referred to wireless devices but normally I use the built-in devices to use the laptop, nothing extra. And it doesn't quite make sense to me that a driver for an external keyboard and mouse would work but not for the built-in hardware....

comments?

Reply