New to PSE 2025 and having issues

Previously I would open a new blank file (8.5x11 300 dpi) and using the move tool, drag photos in and print multiple photos on a sheet of 8.5x11 photo paper. When I attempted to move a photo into the new filke, it was converted to a smart object thumbnail. I managed to find a way to disable the smart object default but now I still get a thumbnail when I try to move my cropped photo into the blank file. I don't want a thumbnail. I just want to move already resized photos into the blank file so I can print them. Please help.