Fixed: Remote Desktop Copy and Paste Not Working [6 Solutions]

Why can't I copy and paste from Remote Desktop?

Remote Desktop solutions have become an indispensable tool for businesses and individuals today. Whether it's collaborating with team members in different locations or accessing files from a remote server, the ability to seamlessly copy and paste between local and remote machines is critical to productivity.

If you're having trouble with copy and paste not working Remote Desktop, first, check if you have permission to do so. Then, make sure Clipboard Redirection is turned on in both the server and client settings. If it's still not working, check if your organization has any restrictions in place. Lastly, make sure your network connection is stable.

In this troubleshooting guide, we'll explore solutions to the Remote Desktop copy and paste not working issue.

How to fix remote desktop copy and paste not working [6 solutions]

How to fix copy and paste in Remote Desktop not working? This guide will introduce 6 solutions for you to solve this issue. If you are looking for solutions, please keep reading.

Solution 1. Enable Clipboard function in Remote Desktop

If you want to fix copy and paste in Remote Desktop not working, one of the simplest methods is to enable Clipboard Access in Remote Desktop Connection. Follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1. Begin by launching the Windows native RDP client, "Remote Desktop Connection". Once opened, select the "Show Options" feature.

Step 2. Within the displayed options, navigate to the "Local Resources" tab. Ensure that the "Clipboard" option is selected, then proceed to click "More". In the extended options list, tick the box next to "Drives", then confirm by clicking "OK". This action authorizes the remote computer to access files on the local device.

Step 4. Having made these adjustments, the capability to copy and paste between the local and remote computers is now activated. Proceed to the "General" tab to save the alterations. Afterward, connect to the remote computer and assess whether the copy/paste functionality has been resolved.

Solution 2. Terminate rdpclip.exe process

To resolve copy-paste issues while using Remote Desktop in Windows, terminating the Remote Desktop Protocol Monitor process (rdpclip.exe) is often the most effective solution. Follow these steps:

Step 1. On the remote computer, right-click on the Start menu, then choose "Task Manager" (or press CTRL + SHIFT + END).

Step 2. In Task Manager, navigate to the Processes tab and locate the "RDP Clipboard Monitor" process. Select it and click "End Task".

Step 3. After terminating the RDP Clipboard process, go to the "File" tab in Task Manager and select "Run New Task".

Step 4. Enter "rdpclip.exe" into the dialog box and click "OK".

Step 5. Once the command executes, you should be able to copy files or text between the remote and client computers without any issues.

Solution 3. Enable Clipboard Redirection on the client computer

Another approach to resolve the Copy-Paste functionality not working problem in the Remote Desktop connection is to enable clipboard redirection in the Registry on the client computer.

It's important to note that any incorrect modifications to the Registry can lead to serious damage, possibly requiring a computer reset. Therefore, exercise caution when making changes to the Registry and always ensure to back up the Registry beforehand.

Step 1. Press the Windows key and the R key simultaneously, input "regedit", and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

Step 2. Navigate to the following path in the Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client.

Step 3. In the right-hand pane, find the "DisableClipboardRedirection" entry. Ensure that its value data is set to 0. If the value is 1, change it to 0, and then close the Registry Editor.

Step 4. Restart your PC and then check if the copy/paste function in RDP is working as expected.

Solution 4. Allow Clipboard Redirection on the remote computer

Another method to resolve the copy and paste not working issue in Remote Desktop is to enable Clipboard Redirection on the remote computer.

Step 1. Simultaneously press the Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. To open the Registry Editor, type "regedit" and hit Enter.

 

Step 2. Navigate to the following path in the Registry Editor: Computer > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Control > Terminal Server > WinStations > RDP-Tcp > fDisableClip.

Step 3. Double-click on "fDisableClip" and ensure that the value data is set to 0.

Step 4. Close the Registry Editor window. Run the Remote Desktop session again and attempt to copy files once more.

Solution 5. Enable copy/paste in Remote Desktop in Group Policy

If you're still encountering difficulties with copying and pasting files and text between client computers and remote computers after trying the previously mentioned methods, it's possible that there's a policy in place preventing such actions. In such a scenario, it's advisable to verify that "Clipboard Redirection" is enabled in Group Policy.

Step 1. Press the Windows + R simultaneously to open the Run dialog box. Then, type in "gpedit.msc" and press "OK" to launch the Local Group Policy Editor.

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

Step 3. Double-click on "Device and Resource Redirection" and locate "Do not allow Clipboard redirection" in the right pane.

Step 4. Double-click on "Do not allow Clipboard redirection" and change its state from "Not configured" or "Enabled" to "Disabled". Click "OK" to apply the change.

Step 5. Finally, open Command Prompt as Administrator and execute the command "gpupdate /force" to update the group policy settings, or restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

Solution 6. Upgrading Windows Network Drivers

The failure of Windows Network Drivers can also contribute to the malfunction of the copy/paste function. To address this issue, updating the Windows Network Drivers can be an effective solution. Below are the steps to update Windows Network Drivers:

Step 1. Press the Win + X keys simultaneously to open the Quick Access menu.

Step 2. From the Quick Access menu, click on the "Device Manager" option.

Step 3. Double-click on the "Network adapters" option to expand it.

Step 4. Right-click on the network driver you wish to update and select the "Update Driver" option.

Step 5. Choose the "Search automatically for updated driver software" option and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.

AnyViewer: Best free Remote Desktop alternative without copy & paste problem

If none of the solutions listed above resolve the inability to copy and paste in a Remote Desktop session, it may be worthwhile to consider switching to a different free Remote Desktop alternative. AnyViewer is one such option, offering a free remote desktop application for Windows. AnyViewer allows users to freely copy and paste text from local to remote desktop, as well as perform drag-and-drop file transfers between remote and local computers.

Additionally, AnyViewer stands out as an all-in-one software solution that is both user-friendly and powerful. It offers a seamless experience for users seeking uninterrupted remote collaboration.

Step 1. Start by installing and starting AnyViewer on each of your devices. Then, navigate to "Log in" and select "Sign up" to create a new account. Make sure to log in with the same account on both devices.

Step 2. Once logged in to AnyViewer successfully, your login process is complete, and your device is automatically linked with the logged-in account.

Step 3. Proceed to the "Device" section. Choose the target device you wish to connect to and click "One-click control" to quickly establish unattended remote access.

Step 4. Once the connection is established, the remote desktop will appear, granting you complete control over it. You can freely copy and paste texts or files between the remote and local computers.

★Tips: Upgrade your AnyViewer experience to a Professional or Enterprise planto access enhanced features:

Connect effortlessly to multiple devices with one-click control.

Elevate security measures with Privacy Mode access.

Remove restrictions on simultaneous device control from a single computer.

Experience faster file transfer rates for efficient data exchange.

Streamline device management with custom groups tailored to corporate needs.

Experience superior image quality for an enriched viewing experience.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, experiencing issues with Remote Desktop copy and paste not working can be frustrating and disruptive to productivity. However, with the solutions provided in this guide, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve this issue. From enabling clipboard functions to terminating processes and adjusting registry settings, there are various steps you can take to restore copy and paste functionality.

Additionally, considering alternatives like AnyViewer can offer a seamless remote desktop experience without encountering copy-and-paste problems. By following the tips outlined here, you can ensure smooth copy-and-paste operations for efficient remote work.