Microsoft has successfully addressed a significant issue affecting the drag-and-drop functionality for emails and calendar items in classic Outlook, a problem that emerged following recent updates on Windows 24H2 systems. This resolution comes as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to enhance user experience and reliability.
Details of the Issue and Resolution
The complications arose after the installation of two specific updates: the KB5050094 January 2025 preview cumulative update and the KB5051987 February 2025 security update. Users reported that they were unable to drag and drop emails or calendar entries into folders within classic Outlook, a functionality critical for efficient workflow.
In a support document released last week, Microsoft detailed the issue, stating, “After installing the January 2025 Windows non-security preview update and subsequent updates on devices running Windows 11, version 24H2, you may find that you are not able to drag and drop emails or calendar items to folders in classic Outlook.”
On Wednesday, Microsoft announced that the recently released KB5052093 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2 effectively resolves this drag-and-drop issue. However, until this fix is fully deployed to all users during the upcoming Patch Tuesday, those affected by the problem can implement a temporary workaround.
Temporary Workaround for Users
For users who prefer not to install this month’s optional update immediately, a simple adjustment can restore functionality. To bypass the issue, users should disable the “Optimize for compatibility” setting in Outlook by following these steps:
- Select the File tab, then navigate to Options.
- Under User interface options on the General tab, choose the “Optimize for best appearance” option.
Ongoing Improvements and Future Updates
Since the start of the year, Microsoft has been proactive in addressing various Outlook-related issues. Earlier fixes included solutions for crashes occurring when composing, replying to, or forwarding emails in classic Outlook. Additionally, a fix was implemented for a bug that caused crashes in Classic Outlook and Microsoft 365 applications on Windows Server 2016 and 2019 systems.
Moreover, Microsoft has provided temporary fixes for other known issues, such as Gmail sign-in difficulties for classic Outlook users and crashes upon opening Outlook. Looking ahead, starting with the February 2025 Windows security updates, Microsoft plans to enforce the installation of the new Outlook email client on Windows 10 devices, a move initially tested with the KB5050081 non-security preview update announced in early January.
