How to Enable Copy Paste in Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2019, 2022

Why copy-paste is not working in RDP on Server 2019?

How to enable copy paste in Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2019

If you’ve ever used RDP to connect to a remote desktop, you know how frustrating it is when the clipboard does not work between the local and remote computers. Two settings may block the clipboard from working between the local and the remote computer. Here we’ll introduce how to configure these settings to enable copy paste in Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2019/2022.

Part 1. Enable clipboard and drives on the local computer

Step 1. Open Server Manager.

Step 2. Click Remote Desktop Services.

Step 3. Navigate here: Collections > YourCollection > Tasks > Edit Properties. (Replace YourCollection with your remote session.)

Step 4. Click Client Settings, and make sure the Drives and Clipboard options are checked. Then click Apply.

Part 2. Change Group Policy setting on both computers

Step 1. Press Win + R to invoke the Run dialog box, then type in “gpedit.msc” and press OK to open up the Local Group Policy Editor.

Step 2. Navigate here: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Device and Resource Redirection.

Step 3. Double-click Device and Resource Redirection, find Do not allow Clipboard redirection and Do not allow drive redirection in the right pane.

Step 4. First, double-click Do not allow Clipboard redirection, then change the state of it from Not configured or Enable to Disable. Click OK to save the change.

Step 5. Then follow the same direction in step 4 to change the state of Do not allow drive redirection to Disabled.

Step 6. After you’ve changed both states, open Windows PowerShell and run gpupdate /force to update your computer to the latest group policy settings.

Step 7. Then you can check the two settings on RDSH GPO.

Bonus tips: How to fix Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop copy paste not working

If you have followed the above steps to set both the local and the remote computer to allow clipboard redirection but still can’t copy and paste in Server 2019, here we’ll give you one more piece of advice on how to fix Windows Server 2019 RDP copy paste not working.

Rdpclip.exe is the task that decides whether the clipboard function is processing well between two computers. So when the clipboard not working, you could restart the task on your host computer to see if this method works out.

Step 1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to invoke the Task Manager window.

Step 2. Go into the Details tab and find the task named “rdpclip.exe”.

Step 3. Right-click “rdpclip.exe” task and then click “End task”.

Step 4. Go to File and then click Run new task.

Step 5. A Create new task window will pop up. Type in “rdpclip.exe”in the box and then click OK to restart Remote Desktop Clipboard

The best Remote Desktop alternative: AnyViewer

We’d like to recommend a free Remote Desktop alternative. AnyViewer is a free remote desktop application that works on Windows and Windows Server 2019/2022. It allows users to copy-paste texts (from local to the remote desktop) and drag-drop files between the remote and the local computers freely. It is referred to as the best Remote Desktop replacement for the following reasons:

AnyViewer is easier to use. Remote Desktop requires an IP address and computer name to achieve remote connections, while AnyViewer doesn’t.

AnyViewer has fewer restrictions. Remote Desktop requires that the two devices be on the same network, while AnyViewer doesn’t.

AnyViewer allows users to drag and drop files to achieve file transfer. Remote Desktop doesn't allow you to drag and drop files.

AnyViewer is more compatible with Windows versions. Remote Desktop can’t be used to connect to computers running Windows Home and standard editions, while AnyViewer is fully compatible with both.

Step 1. On both computers, download, install, and launch AnyViewer. Go to Log in on the Controller computer, and then click Sign up (if you have already signed up on its official website, you can log in directly).

Step 2. Fill out the signup form.

Step 3. You should now see that you have successfully logged into AnyViewer. Your device will be assigned to the account to which you have logged in automatically.

Step 4. Sign in with the same AnyViewer account on both computers, then click the One-click control for unattended remote access.

Tips: You are also able to achieve file transfer by clicking File transfer here.

Step 5. The remote desktop will appear once the connection is established. After that, you have complete control over it. You’re able to copy and paste texts between the remote and the local computers freely.

Notes:✎...

It is recommended to upgrade your account to a Professional or Enterprise plan. What can a professional or enterprise plan brings to you:

More devices can be assigned to the same account for unattended remote support.

Connect in privacy mode to protect your privacy. This means the Controller can black out the remote PC screen and disable the remote keyboard and mouse click.

File transfer speed will be increased. Transfer speed is 500 KB/s for a free account and up to 10 MB/s for a paid account.

Closing words

This post primarily introduces how to enable copy paste in Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2019. Besides, we also give advice on how to fix Remote Desktop copy paste not working on Windows Server 2019 even if you have enabled clipboard direction.

We also suggest you use the best Remote Desktop alternative, AnyViewer. It is a free remote desktop application with easier operating steps. With it, you can copy and paste texts between computers easily. Of course, you can also transfer files by drag-and-drop or direct file transfer.