In this guide, we will show you various methods to fix the issue of being unable to drag/move/rearrange tabs in Google Chrome. When it comes to the browser domain, then there’s no denying the fact that the offering from the Silicon Valle giant is among the best in this domain. Being able to checkmark all the prerequisites with ease and its deep integration with the Google ecosystem are just some of the reasons for its rise to fame. On the flip side though, it isn’t free from its fair share of issues either.
As of now, numerous users have voiced their concern that they are unable to drag, move, or rearrange tabs in Chrome- neither with the same browser nor within two or more instances of browser windows. In this regard, all the platforms [Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Linux] seem to be bugged with this problem. if you are also in the same boat, then this guide will make you aware of a couple of nifty workarounds to resolve it. Follow along.
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Fix Cannot Drag/Move/Rearrange Tabs in Chrome
It is recommended that you try out each of the below-mentioned workarounds and then see which one spells out success for you. So with that in mind, let’s get started.
FIX 1: Use Both Mouse Buttons
As strange as it may sound, some users did manage to resolve this bug by clicking both the Left and Right mouse buttons together and then dragging the tabs in Chrome. So try out this tweak and check if it spells out success for you.
FIX 2: Check Keyboard & Mouse
In some cases, one of the keyboard keys or the mouse button might be stuck and hence it will prevent you from carrying out normal functions. To verify if that is the case or not, verify that none of the keys or clicks have been tucked. Likewise, you should also unplug/un-pair your mouse and keyboard and then pair them back again. Do so and check if you are able to drag/move/rearrange tabs in Google Chrome.
FIX 3: Use the Control key
Next up, press and hold the Ctrl key before moving dragging/moving/rearranging tabs in Google Chrome and check if it works out for you or not.
FIX 4: Unpair Bluetooth Devices
Some users were able to resolve this bug by removing all their Bluetooth devices from their PC. So if you have any paired headsets, mouse, smartphones, etc then it is recommended to unpair all of them. and then check out the results. Here’s how it could be done:
- Press the Windows+I shortcut keys to open the Settings menu.
- Then go to Bluetooth and Devices from the left menu bar.
- After that, click on the View More Devices button.
- This shall bring up a list of the devices that you have paired now with your PC.
- Click on the overflow icon next to the device that is currently causing an issue and select Remove Device.
- Once the device has been unpaired, bring up the Action Center, click on the Bluetooth icon and proceed ahead to re-pair it.
- Once the re-pairing is done, check whether it fixes the Bluetooth not working issue on your Windows 11 PC.
FIX 5: Enable Snap Window
For some users, it was enabling the Snap Window feature on their PC that did the trick. So let’s give it a shot using the below-listed instructions and then check out the results.
- Launch the Settings menu via the Windows+I shortcut keys.
- Then go to System > Multitasking > Enable “Snap Windows”.
- Check if you are able to drag/move/rearrange tabs in Google Chrome.
FIX 6: Disable Extensions
Third-Party add-ons could also conflict with the normal functionalities of the browser. Therefore, you should consider disabling all these extensions and then check if it rectifies.
- Launch Chrome and head over to the below location:
chrome://extensions/
- Then disable the toggle next to all the extensions.
- Now verify if you are able to drag/move/rearrange tabs in Google Chrome.
FIX 7: Reset Chrome
If the browser settings and configuration files get corrupted, then you are bound to be bugged with quite a few issues, including the on that we are currently dealing with. Therefore, your best course of action is to reset the browser to its factory default state, exactly how it was when you first downloaded it. This will remove all the customizations and will revert it back to its original state. So proceed with the below steps to give it a try:
- Launch Chrome and head over to the below location:
chrome://settings/resetProfileSettings?origin=userclick
- Then click on Reset Settings in the confirmation dialog box.
- Now relaunch Chrome and the underlying issue should be rectified.
That’s it. These were the seven different methods that shall help you fix the issue of being unable to drag/move/rearrange tabs in Google Chrome. As far as the official stance on this matter is concerned, the developers are aware of this issue [for more than 2 years!], but they haven’t given out any ETA for the rollout of a fix. As and when that happens, we will update this guide accordingly. In the meantime, the aforementioned workarounds are your best bet.
Mark Cross
Thanks so much. It was the snap windows setting that fixed it for me. Could not drag the chrome window but the tabs worked fine. Turn the setting on and it work. Since turned it back off since it’s annoying.