cannot click and drag to move files any more

you know, if you are so reluctant to use etrecheck, there are a couple other things you can try.

first, I would try and Start up your Mac in safe mode. then test. then run the Mac in safe mode for about 5 minutes. then restart the Mac normally and test again. sometimes a safe boot followed by a normal boot can resolve issues.

and then I would try and set up a new account and test. that way we can tell if your issue is system wide, or if it is only your normal account that has the issue. please see Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac.

are you using any apps that claim to "clean up" or "speed up" or otherwise "optimize" your Mac? and / or any antivirus apps? the only thing those apps are good for is causing major issues within macOS while providing ZERO protection or benefit. you would do well to uninstall them.

if you have no such apps, i'm thinking you should download and run the free version of EtreCheck so we can see if you have some software installed that is causing your issue. make sure you give "full disk access" to etrecheck. Learn how to use it by reading Using EtreCheck. if you need help interpreting the report, you can see how to post the report here by reading How to use the Add Text Feature When Posting Large Amounts of Text, i.e. an Etrecheck Report. and it automatically obscures sensitive things (like serial numbers) so you don't have to worry about sharing the report here.

Thank you for responding with your concerns, Longypur.

First, let’s see if this issue happens in Safe Mode:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Press and hold the power button on your Mac. As you continue to hold the power button, your Mac turns on and loads startup options. When you see Options, release the power button.
3. Select your startup disk. It's named Macintosh HD, unless you changed its name.
4. Press and hold the Shift key, then click the “Continue in Safe Mode” button below your startup disk.
5. Log in to your Mac. You might be asked to log in again.

If the strange behaviors do not occur, then it may possibly be a software issue.

If the issue doesn't continue in safe mode:

Leave safe mode by restarting your Mac normally, then try to reproduce the issue.

If the issue doesn't return, it might have been resolved by the other things that safe mode did at startup, such as checking your disk and clearing caches.

If the problem persists, then let’s try this:

• Software Update.
• Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac.

Need more help?

• Call 1-800-APLCARE.
• Contact Support.
• Mac Support.
• Mac User Guide.

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

if you don't understand parts of the etrecheck report, you can share it with us, and someone may be able to help find the issue. and again, it automatically obscures sensitive things (like serial numbers) so you can safely share it here.

Longypur wrote:

reluctant to now download a free app...

I can understand that. but etrecheck is a trusted app that is used multiple times a day here to help diagnose issues. it does not do anything on it's own. it just points out things that can the be acted upon by you, or can help us find things that could be causing your issue. I personally use it every time I install new software to ensure I didn't pick up anything unwanted from said download.

you're welcome. :)