Dragging files onto folder icon in list view in Mac OS Tahoe 26.1 puts the file into the wrong folder.

Dragging files onto folder icon in list view in Mac OS Tahoe 26.1 puts the file into the wrong folder.

I have been using Macs since my first encounter with a 512K Macintosh back in the 1980s. Dropping files onto folders to store or copy them there was a fundamental Finder ability pioneered by Apple. I am finding it difficult to adapt to a change in Mac OS Tahoe that doesn't allow this in a Folder window List View. The file now ends up in the folder that contains the folder I am trying to drop the file into instead. I have found that if point to the folder name instead, the file will drop in that folder. Apple has habituated me over approx 30 years to one method and now they change it! Old habits die hard! Is there a way to change this back (in System settings?) without reverting to previous OS versions? How do I complain to Apple about this seeming pointless change in Finder behaviour? (24" 2021 iMac, M1 chip, Mac OS 26.1)

iMac (M1, 2021)

Posted on Dec 4, 2025 3:02 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 4, 2025 5:33 PM

This is a bug present from the first release of Tahoe and not yet addressed as of 26.1, best thing to do is submit feedback to Apple.



Bugs can be reported to Apple here:

Feedback - macOS - Apple


In the meantime, you have correctly identified the workaround, annoying though it may be to fight muscle memory.


3 replies

Dragging files onto folder icon in list view in Mac OS Tahoe 26.1 puts the file into the wrong folder.

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