On September 26, 2023, Microsoft released the Moment 4 update for Windows 11, which provides users with a variety of new features and changes. A redesigned File Explorer is a big part of this update, offering a modern user interface, RAR support (and more formats), a new Gallery section, and more.
However, the new File Explorer isn't as smooth as you might think. The updated app has some notable performance issues, plus it loses the ability to drag and drop files in the address bar. In Windows 11 Moment 3 and earlier, you could grab a file and move or copy it to another directory by dragging it on the address bar, but that convenience is no longer there -- you now just see a weird stop icon.
A Microsoft spokesperson revealed that the missing feature is "currently not supported" and that the company will "continue to monitor feedback." Additionally, few people use the address bar drag-and-drop feature, so Microsoft decided to cut corners and roll out the redesigned File Explorer faster by omitting some features from the older app.
For those unfamiliar with the technical side, the File Explorer in the Moment 4 update has been moved to the WinAppSDK, giving it more functionality, better accessibility, and better visuals. Microsoft says the updated address bar better integrates local and cloud files and lets you get more information about your OneDrive storage.
Windows 11 users are no stranger to this situation. You may remember Microsoft doing the same thing with the taskbar. In 2021, Microsoft launched Windows 11. The redesigned taskbar and "Start" menu lacked many old features, such as taskbar reorganization, "Show seconds in system track clock" option, etc. Hopefully, Microsoft will fix the missing drag-and-drop functionality in File Explorer in a future update just like it fixed the taskbar.
Windows 11 Moment 4 update is now available in the stable channel as an optional non-security update.