Why has dragging and dropping into Trash stopped working on MacBook?

Question

Why has dragging and dropping into Trash stopped working on MacBook?

I used to be able to easily move files into Trash. Now, it doesn't work!! The drop down from Edit has "Delete" greyed out. Moving the file by dragging & dropping into Trash used to work fine but DOESN'T ANYMORE!! Pressing Option+Command+Delete, or any other keys, simultaneously that may have worked before - NO LONGER WORKS! What's going on? HOW CAN WE TRASH FILES NOW? I was able to trash files easily until yesterday, July 22nd 2024. PLEASE HELP! Thanks.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Jul 23, 2024 4:01 PM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

146,522 points

Jul 23, 2024 6:47 PM in response to HelpMeLoveMyMac

The procedure is different for silicon vs. Intel Macs, and Ventura can be installed on either one. The Apple Support document describes how to Find out whether you're using a Mac with Apple silicon.

Safe Mode is just a fundamental troubleshooting step. I might have suggested a simple reboot, but you can try that first if you wish. Safe Mode accomplishes that in addition to advancing troubleshooting should it be necessary.

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Answer 2

Jul 23, 2024 6:32 PM in response to John Galt

Hi John, thank you so much for replying! It seems strange because it was working up to yesterday and I've not changed anything. I didn't even turn off my computer! I'll check out the article that you sent me and see if any of it helps... 🤞🏻

Reading the article, it seems rather drastic to do all that. It would seem like a simple function to be able to use Trash. I'm worried that doing all that will leave me in a worse situation with something else not working. Or if I can't get back to NOT using Safe Mode later. 😫

It seems so mysterious that something would cause Trash not to work. BTW, I did empty my Trash too.

The article talks about Apple Silicon but I'm currently on Ventura 13.5.2 Does that matter?

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Answer 3

John Galt

Level 10

146,522 points

Jul 23, 2024 6:06 PM in response to HelpMeLoveMyMac

I understand you are unable to move any files to the Trash. Please determine if the same problems occur in "Safe Mode": Use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support.

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