MacBook Pro: Downloads won't drag to desktop or upload

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Level 1

4 points

MacBook Pro: Downloads won't drag to desktop or upload

Hi I have just bought a new MacBook Pro that has Tahoe 26.1 but one issue I have noticed is that when downloading a PDF my download would not let me drag the file to Home Screen. It is not my settings because I have checked my settings. When I move my PDF or other downloads to Chatgpt or some sort of thing that allows the file to upload it always shows an error message. I have tried safe mode, clearing cache, checking my setting, and restarting finder but nothing works. Is it a bug that I am waiting for a new update or is there something I can do to fix? The only way for me to access the file is clicking on the magnifying glass and then opening finder and drag it out from there.

MacBook Pro (M5, 2025)

Posted on Dec 3, 2025 11:16 PM

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Answer 1

Dec 4, 2025 1:44 AM in response to Adam_Han-

PDFs won’t drag from Safari and uploads fail. Fix it by resetting Full Disk Access permissions, repairing Downloads folder permissions, or pointing Safari to a new download location.

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

102,187 points

Dec 4, 2025 2:50 AM in response to Adam_Han-

This could be something specific to the MacBook Pro (M5, 2025) and macOS 26.1

I say this because I am using a M4 Desktop with 26.1

No issues performing the download to Downloads Folder via Safari

In Finder, moving the PDF from downloads folder to any other folder within my Home Folder including the Desktop

Should this be a M5 issue ?

You may want to wait until the next reported Beta Tahoe 26.2 is Commercially released

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Answer 3

Dec 4, 2025 3:35 AM in response to Adam_Han-

By "home screen" do you mean "Desktop"?

How are you trying to place it there, and what exactly happens when you try?

Some error message? Which one?

We need to better comprehend what you are experiencing so we can give corrected, targeted advice.

I am assuming you mean to drag from the downloads list in Safari:

directly to your desktop. Is that it?

If so, this is something that I do every day with Tahoe 26.1, just as I have done for many years.

So, again, please clarify if this is it, and exactly how it is failing in your mac.

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